Overview
- The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust announced on Wednesday that it has abolished the separate special‑pass system for the first‑floor Ram Darbar so devotees can proceed there after general Ram Lalla darshan without a separate permit.
- Under the new procedure, visitors will join the regular queue for Ram Lalla and then move directly to the Ram Darbar on the first floor without applying for an additional time‑slot pass.
- Religious leaders and temple representatives praised the decision as a step toward ending VIP culture and treating all devotees equally, while arrangements for people with disabilities and local residents remain in place.
- The change comes as a Special Investigation Team headed by IPS officer Kiran S continues to probe alleged embezzlement of temple donations, a case that produced a June FIR and eight arrests and for which the Supreme Court has ordered a chartered accountant to assist and asked for a status report.
- Champat Rai’s recent resignation and his written allegations of security lapses at the State Bank of India’s Ayodhya branch have added institutional and reputational concerns for the trust and are likely to shape forthcoming audit findings and accountability measures.