Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust SIT Probe and Solar City Development
Source:The Hindu ↗
Why It Matters
This article connects administrative investigations (SIT), religious trust governance established under Supreme Court directives, and key infrastructure initiatives such as the Solar City model, which are highly relevant for UPPSC GS Papers (UP Special GK) and General Studies.
Summary
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigation into the alleged land acquisition fraud and embezzlement involving the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya. Urging political parties to wait for the SIT report (expected in 15 days), he defended the trust and slammed the opposition for attempting to defame Ayodhya. During his visit, the Chief Minister also launched 126 infrastructure projects worth ₹378 crore and highlighted Ayodhya’s evolution as the first 'Solar City' under the Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy 2022.
Key Points
- UP CM Yogi Adityanath stated that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted at the request of the temple trust to probe allegations of financial irregularities and land transaction fraud.
- The allegations, raised by AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, accuse Ram Temple trust General Secretary Champat Rai of buying 117 Biswa land in Barehta village (valued at ₹9 crore) for an inflated ₹55.47 crore.
- During his Ayodhya visit, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 126 development projects worth over ₹378 crore.
- He highlighted Ayodhya's ongoing transformation as the first 'Solar City' of Uttar Pradesh under the state's Solar Energy Policy 2022, alongside massive road connectivity upgrades.
- The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was established by the Central Government in February 2020 following the Supreme Court's November 2019 verdict in the Ayodhya dispute case.
Important Terms
Special Investigation Team (SIT)
An ad hoc investigative body constituted by Indian courts or governments to probe complex, high-profile, or politically sensitive crimes when standard police agencies are deemed inadequate or biased.
UPSC context
GS Paper 2: Criminal Justice System, Police Reforms, and Judicial Oversight.
Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy 2022
A state-level policy aiming to achieve 22 GW of solar capacity by 2026-27, promoting utility-scale parks, rooftop installations, agricultural solarization, and developing multiple solar cities across Uttar Pradesh.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Infrastructure and Renewable Energy policies.
Solar City Initiative
A sustainable urban development program focusing on reducing fossil-fuel dependence in key cities by integrating rooftop solar, solar streetlights, electric vehicle charging, and solarizing government infrastructure.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Sustainable Urbanization and Renewable Energy.
PM-KUSUM
A central scheme launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in 2019 to provide solar-powered irrigation, grid-connected agricultural pumps, and financial security to Indian farmers.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Government Schemes, Agricultural Technology, and Renewable Energy.
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust
A 15-member trust established by the Government of India in 2020, as directed by the Supreme Court, to oversee the construction and management of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
UPSC context
GS Paper 1: Indian Culture; GS Paper 2: Public Trusts.
Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA)
The state government agency responsible for executing renewable energy policies, managing solar schemes, and spearheading the transformation of Ayodhya and other cities into Solar Cities.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3: Infrastructure development and renewable energy institutions.
Prelims Trap
A 'Solar City' is defined as an urban area that meets 100% of its electricity demand through solar energy.
Under the state's Solar Energy Policy, a 'Solar City' targets a minimum 10% reduction in conventional energy demand within five years, not total 100% reliance.
Static Concepts Connected
What is the legal framework and origin of Special Investigation Teams (SITs) in India?
- Statutory Status: SITs are ad-hoc bodies lacking a dedicated statutory act; they draw operational and investigative powers directly from the CrPC (now BNSS).
- Constitution Authority: They can be formed either administratively by the executive or judicially ordered by the Supreme Court (Article 32) or High Courts (Article 226).
- Jurisdictional Powers: Appointed members exercise the powers of an officer-in-charge of a police station to file FIRs, conduct searches, and submit final reports.
How does India's National Solar Mission define and promote 'Solar Cities'?
- MNRE Objective: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) aims to develop at least one Solar City in each state to popularize renewable energy.
- Integration Model: It involves urban local bodies adopting rooftop solar, solar street lighting, waste-to-energy plants, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Cross-Topic Patterns
State Solar Policies + National Targets
Aligning state-level renewable initiatives (like UP's 22 GW target) with India's international COP26 commitments to reach 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.
Article 142 + Executive Action
Analyzing how the Supreme Court uses Article 142 to direct the executive to create autonomous trusts, merging judicial mandates with administrative execution.
State solar policy criteria and SIT powers under CrPC/BNSS are prime candidates for comparative multi-statement Prelims questions.
Linked PYQs · 2
Linked PYQs · 2
- 2020UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
In which of the following districts of U.P. a major solar power plant was established in collaboration with France in 2018 ?
- 2022UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
The first airport powered by solar energy in India is
