New Delhi, July 11: The committee responsible for appointing the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir has finalised the eligibility criteria for the position during a meeting held in the national capital on Friday.

According to sources, applicants must hold a graduate degree and possess at least 20 years of experience in administration or finance. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in temple administration. Applicants are also required to be followers of the Hindu faith.

The application process will remain open until July 18, with a dedicated email address being created to receive submissions. After reviewing the applications, the committee will shortlist candidates and conduct interactions before making the final appointment.

The selected CEO will serve an initial term of three years and will be required to reside in Ayodhya throughout the tenure. To facilitate the recruitment process, the committee has also decided to appoint a Secretary. Sources said the appointment is expected to be completed within the next month.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear petitions on July 13 seeking an independent investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The matter is listed before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana.

Amid reports that VIP darshan pass IDs linked to Trust members Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao had been blocked, Trust member Mahant Dinendra Das Maharaj denied the claims. He stated that passes continue to be issued using Champat Rai's ID and that there has been no disruption to the existing system.

"There is no issue as of now. The existing arrangement is still in place. I have no information suggesting otherwise," he said.

Earlier this week, Mahant Dinendra Das also expressed confidence in the Uttar Pradesh Police and the state administration following the custodial interrogation of Anukalp Mishra, one of the three main accused in the alleged embezzlement case.

Speaking to ANI, he said the temple's operations, including the handling of donations, remain unaffected.

"We have faith in Ram Lalla, and the Chief Minister and the administration are fully aware of the situation. We have complete faith in the police. They are performing their duty and will identify those responsible and ensure appropriate action is taken," he said.

The alleged financial irregularities have sparked a political controversy in Uttar Pradesh, while the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues its probe into the case.