Overview
- The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra issued a formal clarification on Monday, September 14, rejecting claims that the appointed CEO skipped interview rounds and saying the process was transparent and recorded.
- The Trust says a Search Committee set up on July 6 used AI‑assisted screening plus manual evaluation to sift 5,585 applications and that 16 candidates were shortlisted for in‑person interactions in Ayodhya on August 11–12.
- The committee recommended three names and the Trust appointed retired Air Marshal Jitendra (Jeetendra) Mishra as CEO after he emerged as the top choice, with the Trust stating he took part in the first half of August 11's sessions.
- Mishra has publicly defended his suitability, saying his Air Force role put him in charge of more than 50 'sarva dharm sthals' and that temple oversight was discussed during the selection process.
- Some applicants and former officers have questioned the appointment and signaled possible legal challenges, and the Trust says documentary records, shortlist logs and the Search Committee report will be used to answer further queries.