Ram Temple Trust Initially Opposed Champat Rai's Exit, Later Accepted Resignation Under Bylaws
Trust accepted Champat Rai's resignation after bylaw clarification.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust initially opposed the resignation of its General Secretary, Champat Rai, during a meeting held on Monday but ultimately accepted it after senior advocate and trust member K. Parasaran clarified that the body's bylaws required the resignation to be accepted once it had been submitted. The decision followed a detailed discussion among trustees at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex in Ayodhya.
According to people familiar with the proceedings, the trust meeting began at around 3:15 pm in a tense atmosphere. Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri, who presided over the meeting, placed before the members the resignations of Champat Rai and fellow trustee Anil Mishra. Rai's resignation was taken up as the first agenda item and reportedly drew unanimous opposition from the trustees, who expressed their desire for him to continue in his role.
However, K. Parasaran, who participated in the meeting virtually and is credited with framing the trust's bylaws, clarified the legal position governing such resignations. According to those present, Parasaran explained that the trust's rules make it mandatory to accept the resignation of a trustee once it has been formally submitted. He also noted that if the trust wished to retain the same individual, the person would have to be appointed again through the prescribed process rather than by rejecting the resignation.
Also Read: Champat Rai Resigns As Ram Temple Trust Accepts Decision Amid Donation Probe
Following Parasaran's explanation, the trustees accepted Champat Rai's resignation in accordance with the bylaws. Sources said the legal clarification effectively settled the matter, leaving the trust with no procedural option to reject the resignation despite the initial consensus in Rai's favour. The acceptance was described as a decision taken to comply with the governing rules of the trust rather than a reflection of the members' personal views.
After the trust formally accepted Rai's resignation, there was reportedly no discussion on the resignation submitted by trustee Anil Mishra. The reasons for deferring consideration of Mishra's resignation were not immediately known, and no official statement explaining the sequence of decisions was issued following the meeting.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust oversees the construction and administration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, one of India's most significant religious projects. Any changes in the trust's leadership are closely watched because of the body's central role in managing the temple's affairs. While Champat Rai's resignation has now been accepted in line with the trust's bylaws, it remains to be seen whether the trust will consider reappointing him in accordance with the procedure outlined during the meeting.
Also Read: VHP Chief Alleges Negligence By Champat Rai In Ram Temple Donation Case
