Champat Rai, who resigned as general secretary of the trust managing the Ayodhya Ram Temple amid allegations of donation irregularities, has said the temple construction committee led by Nripendra Misra took key decisions related to the project and appointed people to assist with its work.&nbsp;In a nine-page open letter, the former trust general secretary detailed developments following the Supreme Court's 2019 verdict on the Ram Temple construction. He claimed that Misra brought people of his choice into the construction committee and personally handled major decisions.<h2>Misra-led panel had final say, letter claims</h2>"Nripendra Mishra brought in persons of his choice in the Construction Committee for his help, one of whom came to Ayodhya one or two times in the past six years…. Nripendra Mishra always took all the decisions by himself," the letter said.&nbsp;The former general secretary also said the committee had complete authority over the construction process and that no work could proceed without its approval.&nbsp;"If any decision was taken outside, it was not accepted. If something was done, it was removed," he said in the letter.&nbsp;He further claimed that Misra decided which company would undertake the construction work and selected the temple's designer. He also alleged that suggestions from other members were often ignored. "Many a time the suggestions of others were not given any importance," he claimed.&nbsp;Rai resigned from his post following a backlash over allegations of fund theft. However, a Special Investigation Team formed by the state government gave him a clean chit in its probe into the allegations.&nbsp;The letter came days after an SIT report into alleged irregularities in Ram Temple collections flagged "gross lapses" in the functioning of the trust. The report, however, exonerated Rai and a former trustee.A separate SIT formed on the Supreme Court's direction was still investigating the matter, according to the information provided.<h2>Misra rejects reports of internal rift</h2>Nripendra Misra, however, rejected reports of an internal dispute linked to the purported letter. Speaking to reporters on Friday after a three-day review meeting, he described the claims as baseless and also discussed the final phase of temple construction.&nbsp;"I have not seen any such letter. Until I see the letter, I will only tell you that this is a concocted story of yours (media). There is no such letter, nor is there any such criticism, even if it were 9 pages long; he has not made any such criticism. This is merely a made-up story by you (media) people."

Champat Rai has claimed that the Nripendra Misra-led construction committee took all key decisions on the Ram Temple project, while Misra dismissed reports of an internal rift as baseless.

Champat Rai, who resigned as general secretary of the trust managing the Ayodhya Ram Temple amid allegations of donation irregularities, has said the temple construction committee led by Nripendra Misra took key decisions related to the project and appointed people to assist with its work. In a nine-page open letter, the former trust general secretary detailed developments following the Supreme Court's 2019 verdict on the Ram Temple construction. He claimed that Misra brought people of his choice into the construction committee and personally handled major decisions. Misra-led panel had final say, letter claims "Nripendra Mishra brought in persons of his choice in the Construction Committee for his help, one of whom came to Ayodhya one or two times in the past six years…. Nripendra Mishra always took all the decisions by himself," the letter said. The former general secretary also said the committee had complete authority over the construction process and that no work could proceed without its approval. "If any decision was taken outside, it was not accepted. If something was done, it was removed," he said in the letter. He further claimed that Misra decided which company would undertake the construction work and selected the temple's designer. He also alleged that suggestions from other members were often ignored. "Many a time the suggestions of others were not given any importance," he claimed. Rai resigned from his post following a backlash over allegations of fund theft. However, a Special Investigation Team formed by the state government gave him a clean chit in its probe into the allegations. The letter came days after an SIT report into alleged irregularities in Ram Temple collections flagged "gross lapses" in the functioning of the trust. The report, however, exonerated Rai and a former trustee. A separate SIT formed on the Supreme Court's direction was still investigating the matter, according to the information provided. Misra rejects reports of internal rift Nripendra Misra, however, rejected reports of an internal dispute linked to the purported letter. Speaking to reporters on Friday after a three-day review meeting, he described the claims as baseless and also discussed the final phase of temple construction. "I have not seen any such letter. Until I see the letter, I will only tell you that this is a concocted story of yours (media). There is no such letter, nor is there any such criticism, even if it were 9 pages long; he has not made any such criticism. This is merely a made-up story by you (media) people."

Champat Rai has claimed that the Nripendra Misra-led construction committee took all key decisions on the Ram Temple project, while Misra dismissed reports of an internal rift as baseless.

Nripendra Misra-led panel took all key decisions: Champat Rai amid Ram Temple donation row

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has rolled out a new surveillance system to monitor donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. With this, the trust aims to make the handling of devotees' offerings more transparent as authorities continue investigating an alleged embezzlement case.Under the new protocol, which was put into action starting July 25, every stage of the donation process, from collecting donation boxes inside the temple to counting the cash, is being recorded on video, a senior Trust official said.An eight-member monitoring team has also been deployed to oversee the entire process.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/buying-russian-oil-could-cost-india-dearly-mea-breaks-silence-on-us-100-tariff-bill-india-closely-monitoring-situation-1785545926163">Buying Russian oil could cost India dearly? MEA breaks silence on US 100% tariff bill</a><h2>360-degree cameras, bank officials to oversee counting</h2>According to the Trust, 360-degree cameras and SLR cameras are being used to create a complete visual record from the moment donation boxes are removed from the temple until the money is counted.The Trust has also changed its collection process. Earlier, several of the temple's around 40 donation boxes were opened together. Under the revised system, they are emptied on different days to allow closer scrutiny of each collection. Additionally, two professional videographers have been appointed to record the exercise.Each counting session is conducted in the presence of two bank officials, two Trust representatives and two security personnel. After the counting is completed, officials from the State Bank of India formally seal the donation box.Trust officials said the measures are intended to strengthen transparency, accountability and public confidence in the donation process.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/child-marriage-still-exists-in-india-in-2026-ncw-sets-2030-deadline-to-end-it-1785485550409">Child marriage still exists in India in 2026? NCW sets 2030 deadline to end it</a><h2>Move follows alleged donation theft</h2>The tighter monitoring comes weeks after allegations of theft from temple donations prompted the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Police have arrested multiple accused in connection with the case, and the investigation is ongoing.Officials said the combination of continuous videography, multi-agency supervision and bank involvement is designed to eliminate opportunities for manipulation while also making audits easier and helping address any complaints from devotees.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has begun recording every stage of the Ram Temple's donation process using 360-degree cameras, SLR cameras and an eight-member monitoring team. The move follows an alleged donation embezzlement case.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has rolled out a new surveillance system to monitor donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. With this, the trust aims to make the handling of devotees' offerings more transparent as authorities continue investigating an alleged embezzlement case. Under the new protocol, which was put into action starting July 25, every stage of the donation process, from collecting donation boxes inside the temple to counting the cash, is being recorded on video, a senior Trust official said. An eight-member monitoring team has also been deployed to oversee the entire process. Also read | Buying Russian oil could cost India dearly? MEA breaks silence on US 100% tariff bill 360-degree cameras, bank officials to oversee counting According to the Trust, 360-degree cameras and SLR cameras are being used to create a complete visual record from the moment donation boxes are removed from the temple until the money is counted. The Trust has also changed its collection process. Earlier, several of the temple's around 40 donation boxes were opened together. Under the revised system, they are emptied on different days to allow closer scrutiny of each collection. Additionally, two professional videographers have been appointed to record the exercise. Each counting session is conducted in the presence of two bank officials, two Trust representatives and two security personnel. After the counting is completed, officials from the State Bank of India formally seal the donation box. Trust officials said the measures are intended to strengthen transparency, accountability and public confidence in the donation process. Also read | Child marriage still exists in India in 2026? NCW sets 2030 deadline to end it Move follows alleged donation theft The tighter monitoring comes weeks after allegations of theft from temple donations prompted the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Police have arrested multiple accused in connection with the case, and the investigation is ongoing. Officials said the combination of continuous videography, multi-agency supervision and bank involvement is designed to eliminate opportunities for manipulation while also making audits easier and helping address any complaints from devotees.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has begun recording every stage of the Ram Temple's donation process using 360-degree cameras, SLR cameras and an eight-member monitoring team. The move follows an alleged donation embezzlement case.

360-degree cameras and more: Ayodhya Ram Temple starts video-recording every donation amid donation theft, embezzlement probe

In a move aimed at improving transparency after the alleged theft of devotees' donations, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will begin publishing the Ram Mandir's monthly income on its official website. This comes after allegations of donation theft sparked a high-profile investigation.According to sources, the Trust has decided that details of all major sources of revenue will be made public every month. The information will include collections from donation boxes, contributions received at donation counters, funds deposited under foreign currency regulations and interest earned on bank deposits.The decision follows the recent donation theft case, which raised questions about the handling of offerings at the Ayodhya temple. By placing the figures in the public domain, the Trust hopes to reassure devotees and make its financial management more transparent.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-ram-mandir-donation-theft-supreme-court-issues-notice-to-up-govt-on-pleas-seeking-cbi-probe-1783942963440">Ram temple donation 'theft': SC issues notice to UP govt on CBI probe pleas</a><h2>What information will be available?</h2>The website will carry a monthly statement of the temple's income, allowing devotees to track how much money is received through different channels.Apart from cash collected from donation boxes and counters, the Trust will also disclose funds transferred to designated accounts under foreign contribution rules, along with interest earned from banks.<h2>Trust set for leadership changes</h2>The transparency initiative comes as the Trust prepares for a reshuffle in its leadership. According to reports, Dr Krishna Mohan is expected to formally take over as General Secretary during the Trust's meeting on July 22 after being appointed Interim General Secretary earlier this month.The meeting is also likely to clear appointments to three other vacant posts. Discussions are continuing over the possible induction of Yatindra Mohan Mishra, a member of the Ayodhya royal family, into the Trust.<h2>Donation theft case under investigation</h2>The decision comes against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation into the alleged theft of temple donations.The Uttar Pradesh Government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) after allegations surfaced that cash and valuables offered by devotees were being siphoned off before they were officially recorded. Police have so far arrested eight people in connection with the case, while an Ayodhya court has extended their judicial custody until July 27.Investigators have said the accused allegedly admitted to stealing between Rs 2 crore and Rs 3 crore over a period of time. Nearly Rs 80 lakh in cash has also been recovered during searches linked to the probe.The matter has now reached the Supreme Court, where petitioners have sought a CBI investigation, a forensic audit and a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) review of the Trust's accounts. The apex court has issued notices to the Centre, the Uttar Pradesh Government and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, seeking a status report on the investigation.

After an alleged ₹2-3 crore donation theft triggered arrests and a Supreme Court case, the Ram Mandir Trust has announced a major transparency measure. Devotees will soon be able to track the temple's monthly income online. Scroll down to know what's changing.

In a move aimed at improving transparency after the alleged theft of devotees' donations, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will begin publishing the Ram Mandir's monthly income on its official website. This comes after allegations of donation theft sparked a high-profile investigation. According to sources, the Trust has decided that details of all major sources of revenue will be made public every month. The information will include collections from donation boxes, contributions received at donation counters, funds deposited under foreign currency regulations and interest earned on bank deposits. The decision follows the recent donation theft case, which raised questions about the handling of offerings at the Ayodhya temple. By placing the figures in the public domain, the Trust hopes to reassure devotees and make its financial management more transparent. Also read | Ram temple donation 'theft': SC issues notice to UP govt on CBI probe pleas What information will be available? The website will carry a monthly statement of the temple's income, allowing devotees to track how much money is received through different channels. Apart from cash collected from donation boxes and counters, the Trust will also disclose funds transferred to designated accounts under foreign contribution rules, along with interest earned from banks. Trust set for leadership changes The transparency initiative comes as the Trust prepares for a reshuffle in its leadership. According to reports, Dr Krishna Mohan is expected to formally take over as General Secretary during the Trust's meeting on July 22 after being appointed Interim General Secretary earlier this month. The meeting is also likely to clear appointments to three other vacant posts. Discussions are continuing over the possible induction of Yatindra Mohan Mishra, a member of the Ayodhya royal family, into the Trust. Donation theft case under investigation The decision comes against the backdrop of an ongoing investigation into the alleged theft of temple donations. The Uttar Pradesh Government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) after allegations surfaced that cash and valuables offered by devotees were being siphoned off before they were officially recorded. Police have so far arrested eight people in connection with the case, while an Ayodhya court has extended their judicial custody until July 27. Investigators have said the accused allegedly admitted to stealing between Rs 2 crore and Rs 3 crore over a period of time. Nearly Rs 80 lakh in cash has also been recovered during searches linked to the probe. The matter has now reached the Supreme Court, where petitioners have sought a CBI investigation, a forensic audit and a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) review of the Trust's accounts. The apex court has issued notices to the Centre, the Uttar Pradesh Government and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, seeking a status report on the investigation.

After an alleged ₹2-3 crore donation theft triggered arrests and a Supreme Court case, the Ram Mandir Trust has announced a major transparency measure. Devotees will soon be able to track the temple's monthly income online. Scroll down to know what's changing.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Trust to publish monthly donations online after ₹2-3 crore theft scandal

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has invited applications for the post of Chief Executive Officer to oversee the operations of the Ayodhya Ram Temple after a committee constituted for the appointment met in the national capital on Friday.&nbsp;According to ANI, citing sources, candidates must be graduates and have at least 20 years of experience in administration or finance. Preference will be given to applicants with prior experience in temple management.&nbsp;The applicant must also be a follower of the Hindu faith.<h2>Three year tenure for the new CEO</h2>Applications for the post can be submitted until July 18. The trust is creating a dedicated email ID to receive applications. After the deadline, the committee will interact with shortlisted candidates before making the final selection.&nbsp;The CEO will be appointed for an initial term of three years and will be required to reside in Ayodhya during the tenure.&nbsp;The committee has also decided to appoint a secretary to assist with the recruitment process. According to sources, the selection is expected to be completed within the next month.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear petitions on July 13 seeking an independent probe into the alleged financial irregularities in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.&nbsp;The petitions are listed before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana.&nbsp;Mahant Dinendra Das Maharaj, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Trust, dismissed reports claiming that the trust had blocked the VIP darshan pass IDs of Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao. He said passes continue to be issued using Champat Rai's ID.&nbsp;"There is no issue as of now. This is still in place. I have no details otherwise; the existing system still continues," he said.&nbsp;Earlier on Thursday, Dinendra Das reiterated his faith in the Uttar Pradesh Police and the state administration after Ayodhya Police began the custodial interrogation of Anukalp Mishra, one of the three main accused in the case.&nbsp;He rejected concerns over the security and management of donations, saying temple operations remain unaffected.&nbsp;"We have faith in Ram Lalla, and the Chief Minister and the administration are fully aware and involved. We have full faith in the police; they are performing their duty. They will catch the thieves in every way and will also punish them," he was quoted as saying by ANI.

The Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust has announced eligibility criteria for its Chief Executive Officer post, with applications open until July 18 and the appointment expected to be finalised within a month.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has invited applications for the post of Chief Executive Officer to oversee the operations of the Ayodhya Ram Temple after a committee constituted for the appointment met in the national capital on Friday. According to ANI, citing sources, candidates must be graduates and have at least 20 years of experience in administration or finance. Preference will be given to applicants with prior experience in temple management. The applicant must also be a follower of the Hindu faith. Three year tenure for the new CEO Applications for the post can be submitted until July 18. The trust is creating a dedicated email ID to receive applications. After the deadline, the committee will interact with shortlisted candidates before making the final selection. The CEO will be appointed for an initial term of three years and will be required to reside in Ayodhya during the tenure. The committee has also decided to appoint a secretary to assist with the recruitment process. According to sources, the selection is expected to be completed within the next month. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear petitions on July 13 seeking an independent probe into the alleged financial irregularities in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The petitions are listed before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana. Mahant Dinendra Das Maharaj, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Trust, dismissed reports claiming that the trust had blocked the VIP darshan pass IDs of Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao. He said passes continue to be issued using Champat Rai's ID. "There is no issue as of now. This is still in place. I have no details otherwise; the existing system still continues," he said. Earlier on Thursday, Dinendra Das reiterated his faith in the Uttar Pradesh Police and the state administration after Ayodhya Police began the custodial interrogation of Anukalp Mishra, one of the three main accused in the case. He rejected concerns over the security and management of donations, saying temple operations remain unaffected. "We have faith in Ram Lalla, and the Chief Minister and the administration are fully aware and involved. We have full faith in the police; they are performing their duty. They will catch the thieves in every way and will also punish them," he was quoted as saying by ANI.

The Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust has announced eligibility criteria for its Chief Executive Officer post, with applications open until July 18 and the appointment expected to be finalised within a month.

Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust invites applications for CEO post. Here's who can apply

Former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai on Tuesday broke his silence for the first time since resigning amid the alleged Ram temple donation theft controversy, saying he would respond to all allegations against him only after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits its final report.&nbsp;"Since June 7, 2026, various types of discussions/rumors have been going on regarding a theft committed during the counting of the donation box at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple premises. Personally, people have made baseless allegations against me. I have taken a vow of silence," he wrote in the Hindi letter posted on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">धीरज धर्म मित्र अरु नारी, आपद काल परिखिअहिं चारी। <a href="https://t.co/PHtGs95ass">pic.twitter.com/PHtGs95ass</a>&mdash; Champat Rai (@ChampatRaiVHP) <a href="https://x.com/ChampatRaiVHP/status/2074466087694188800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The trust oversees the management of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Rai had played a leading role in the temple's administration even before construction of the shrine began.&nbsp;The controversy erupted after authorities alleged that people involved in counting donations from the temple collection boxes had embezzled crores of rupees. So far, eight people have been arrested in the case, with several accused allegedly found living lifestyles that did not match their known sources of income.&nbsp;Referring to the trust meeting held on July 6, Rai said, "In the meeting of the Temple Trust concluded on July 6, the preliminary report of the SIT (Special Investigation Team) was presented; this report has now become public. I assure all of you that after the final report of the SIT comes out, I will give my response chronologically on all the points."&nbsp;Rai also defended his public life, saying he had been working in Ayodhya since October 1991 after being deputed there by the organisation and had served as a pracharak for 45 years. "Wherever I have served, my life has remained an open book," he wrote.&nbsp;His statement came a day after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust accepted the resignations of Rai and Anil Mishra amid the controversy surrounding the alleged theft of temple donations. The trust said both ceased to be trustees immediately after their resignations were accepted.

Former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai said he would respond to all allegations chronologically after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits its final report.

Former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai on Tuesday broke his silence for the first time since resigning amid the alleged Ram temple donation theft controversy, saying he would respond to all allegations against him only after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits its final report. "Since June 7, 2026, various types of discussions/rumors have been going on regarding a theft committed during the counting of the donation box at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple premises. Personally, people have made baseless allegations against me. I have taken a vow of silence," he wrote in the Hindi letter posted on X.

Former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust general secretary Champat Rai said he would respond to all allegations chronologically after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) submits its final report.

'My life has remained an open book': Champat Rai breaks silence with open letter on Ram temple row

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust (SRJTK Trust) is an autonomous body constituted by the Government of India on 5 February 2020, following the 2019 Supreme Court Ayodhya verdict. Its decision-making process is governed by the Trust's scheme and trust deed rather than by the Central or Uttar Pradesh governments. In the order titled Neeraj Sharma vs Ministry of Home Affairs passed on 6 June, 2025, the Central Information Commission (CIC) stated that Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust (SRJBTK) is an independent trust, which is neither owned, controlled, nor financed by the Central government and state government. They also don't release funds to the Trust. The government has no administrative or financial involvement in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Its role was limited to constituting the Trust in line with the Supreme Court's directions. Since the Trust functions independently without financial assistance or administrative control from either the Centre or any state government, it does not fall under the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. During proceedings before the Central Information Commission (CIC), counsel for the Trust argued that it was created through a trust deed rather than by a government notification. They also stated that the Trust receives no direct or indirect government funding, while the government's notification merely transferred the rights, title and interests in the acquired land to the Trust. The advocates further submitted that government nominees and the district collector do not have voting rights in the Trust's meetings. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has clarified that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was constituted in line with the Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict as an independent body, free from government financial or administrative control. Under the Trust rules, the Settler's role ends once the Trust is formed. As defined under Section 3 of the Indian Trusts Act, a trust is a legal arrangement to manage property for beneficiaries.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-temple-trust-appoints-krishna-mohan-as-acting-general-secretary-after-champat-rai-s-resignation-1783347636114">Ram Temple Trust appoints Krishna Mohan as acting general secretary after Champat Rai’s resignation</a><h3>How are key decisions made?</h3>The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees, which discusses and approves major decisions during formal meetings. These decisions include temple construction and infrastructure, appointment or resignation of key office-bearers, financial approvals, management of donations, administrative restructuring, and future development projects. Meanwhile, resolutions are passed during Trust meetings, with trustees exercising voting powers under the Trust's governing rules.&nbsp;Permanent trustees hold the primary decision-making authority&nbsp;According to submissions made by the Ministry of Home Affairs before the Central Information Commission (CIC), all substantive decisions rest with the Trust's permanent trustees. Government nominees and certain ex officio members have limited roles under the Trust deed, while the permanent trustees control internal governance.&nbsp;Decisions are implemented through meetings and resolutions&nbsp;Major administrative actions are approved during Trust meetings. For example, in July 2026, the Trust accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, decided to appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and initiated governance reforms after allegations relating to donations. These decisions were collectively approved during a scheduled meeting of the Trust.&nbsp;Financial decisions are approved internally&nbsp;The Trust decides how donations are utilised. It recently disclosed that:&nbsp;<ul><li>Donations received since inception have exceeded Rs 3,200 crore</li><li>More than Rs 2,300 crore had been allocated towards temple construction and capital expenditure</li><li>Financial disclosures and expenditure approvals are made by the Trust during its meetings</li></ul>

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has clarified that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was constituted in line with the Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict as an independent body, free from government financial or administrative control.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust (SRJTK Trust) is an autonomous body constituted by the Government of India on 5 February 2020, following the 2019 Supreme Court Ayodhya verdict. Its decision-making process is governed by the Trust's scheme and trust deed rather than by the Central or Uttar Pradesh governments. In the order titled Neeraj Sharma vs Ministry of Home Affairs passed on 6 June, 2025, the Central Information Commission (CIC) stated that Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust (SRJBTK) is an independent trust, which is neither owned, controlled, nor financed by the Central government and state government. They also don't release funds to the Trust. The government has no administrative or financial involvement in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Its role was limited to constituting the Trust in line with the Supreme Court's directions. Since the Trust functions independently without financial assistance or administrative control from either the Centre or any state government, it does not fall under the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. During proceedings before the Central Information Commission (CIC), counsel for the Trust argued that it was created through a trust deed rather than by a government notification. They also stated that the Trust receives no direct or indirect government funding, while the government's notification merely transferred the rights, title and interests in the acquired land to the Trust. The advocates further submitted that government nominees and the district collector do not have voting rights in the Trust's meetings. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has clarified that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was constituted in line with the Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict as an independent body, free from government financial or administrative control. Under the Trust rules, the Settler's role ends once the Trust is formed. As defined under Section 3 of the Indian Trusts Act, a trust is a legal arrangement to manage property for beneficiaries. Also read: Ram Temple Trust appoints Krishna Mohan as acting general secretary after Champat Rai’s resignation How are key decisions made? The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees, which discusses and approves major decisions during formal meetings. These decisions include temple construction and infrastructure, appointment or resignation of key office-bearers, financial approvals, management of donations, administrative restructuring, and future development projects. Meanwhile, resolutions are passed during Trust meetings, with trustees exercising voting powers under the Trust's governing rules. Permanent trustees hold the primary decision-making authority According to submissions made by the Ministry of Home Affairs before the Central Information Commission (CIC), all substantive decisions rest with the Trust's permanent trustees. Government nominees and certain ex officio members have limited roles under the Trust deed, while the permanent trustees control internal governance. Decisions are implemented through meetings and resolutions Major administrative actions are approved during Trust meetings. For example, in July 2026, the Trust accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, decided to appoint a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and initiated governance reforms after allegations relating to donations. These decisions were collectively approved during a scheduled meeting of the Trust. Financial decisions are approved internally The Trust decides how donations are utilised. It recently disclosed that: Donations received since inception have exceeded Rs 3,200 crore More than Rs 2,300 crore had been allocated towards temple construction and capital expenditure Financial disclosures and expenditure approvals are made by the Trust during its meetings

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has clarified that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was constituted in line with the Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict as an independent body, free from government financial or administrative control.

How is Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust structured and governed?

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Nripendra Misra-led panel took all key decisions: Champat Rai amid Ram Temple donation row

Ayodhya Temple starts video-recording every donation amid donation theft probe

Ayodhya Ram Mandir to publish monthly income online after donation theft case

Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust invites applications for CEO post. Here's who can apply

'My life remained open book...': Champat Rai breaks silence on Ram temple row

How Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is structured and governed?