Court refuses to entertain petition due to similar case pending before Supreme Court
Lucknow: In a significant judicial decision, the Allahabad High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Moti Lal Yadav, seeking an investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The division bench, comprising Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Manjive Shukla, pronounced the judgment on July 7, 2026, stating that the matter is already under consideration by the Supreme Court of India.
The petitioner, appearing in person, urged the court to appoint a high-level judicial commission led by retired judges to investigate the alleged misappropriation of funds and donations received by the Trust from devotees across the nation. Additionally, the petitioner sought the appointment of the District Judge of Ayodhya as an administrator or receiver for the Trust, along with a detailed inquiry and audit of the Trust's funds by an independent agency.
The court noted that similar reliefs had been sought in previous petitions, which were also dismissed due to the Supreme Court's involvement. The bench referenced prior orders, including the dismissal of PIL Nos. 578 of 2026 and 586 of 2026, emphasizing the ongoing proceedings at the Supreme Court under Writ Petition (Criminal) No. 241 of 2026, filed by Ajay Kumar Rai and others.
The judges highlighted the principle of judicial propriety, stating, "We see no reason to entertain another writ petition on the same subject under Article 226 of the Constitution of India at Lucknow when the Supreme Court is already seized with the matter." The court underscored the necessity to avoid parallel proceedings in different judicial forums when a higher court is already addressing the same issue.
The decision reflects the judiciary's approach to maintaining judicial discipline and avoiding conflicting rulings on similar matters. The dismissal ensures that the Supreme Court's adjudication on the issue remains undisturbed, allowing for a comprehensive resolution at the highest judicial level.
This ruling reinforces the importance of judicial hierarchy and the need for litigants to direct their grievances to the appropriate forum, especially when cases involve significant public interest and national importance. The Allahabad High Court's judgment serves as a reminder of the procedural norms that guide the judiciary in handling cases with overlapping jurisdictions.
Bottom line:-
Public Interest Litigation seeking investigation into alleged financial irregularities of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra (Trust) dismissed due to similar matter being pending before the Supreme Court of India.
Statutory provision(s): Article 226, Article 32, Constitution of India 1950
Moti Lal Yadav v. Union of India, (Allahabad)(Lucknow)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2938048
