Ram Mandir Trust Meeting on Champat Rai Resignation Amid Donation Theft Investigation

The Sri Ram Mandir Trust is scheduled to hold a key meeting to address the resignation of Champat Rai (general secretary) and discuss interim findings from the SIT (Special Investigation Team) probe into alleged donation misappropriation. Background: Allegations emerged of systematic theft of donations at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, with political parties and civil society demanding transparency. Anil Mishra (another trustee) has already resigned. SIT investigation: A Special Investigation Team was constituted to probe alleged embezzlement, creating first-ever formal inquiry into temple financial management at this scale. The interim findings briefing suggests significant developments. Constitutional/legal angle: Religious institutions' financial accountability versus autonomy; RT Act provisions for temple governance; criminal law application to religious trusts (BNS sections). Donor rights and fiduciary obligations of trust management. Political ramifications: Congress, AAP, and Shiv Sena have alleged corruption and demanded CBI probe; VHP and BJP defending institutional integrity. Controversy highlights governance gaps in major religious institutions. Why it matters: Tests India's secularism principle (equal scrutiny of all faiths' institutions); impacts public trust in temple administration; raises questions about financial transparency in religious entities. Sets precedent for institutional accountability. Exam angle: Secular governance, institutional accountability, religious trusts, financial transparency, criminal procedure in civil institutions. Constitutional references: Article 25 (religious freedom with reasonable restrictions for public morality). Likely questions: State oversight of religious institutions, transparency in temple finances, separation of religion and governance.