During a general body meeting, the Faizabad Bar Association in Uttar Pradesh resolved that its members would not represent those accused in the alleged embezzlement of funds linked to donations made to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The association also announced that any member who chooses to appear for the accused would face a fine of ₹5 lakh.
The meeting also saw lawyers demand that Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao, who they said were connected to the controversy, leave Ayodhya within three days. The association warned of a citywide blockade if the demand was not met. Champat Rai, the former general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, and trustee Anil Mishra recently stepped down from their respective posts.
The decision mirrors a resolution adopted by the Bar Association in 2005, when it declined to represent those accused in the Ram Janmabhoomi terrorist attack case. Bar Association secretary Shailendra Jaiswal said the alleged theft of temple donations had deeply hurt the sentiments of lawyers, adding that members had unanimously agreed not to defend those arrested in the case.
A video of Bar Association president Kalika Prasad Mishra announcing the resolution circulated widely on social media. In the clip, he states that any lawyer representing the accused would be fined ₹5 lakh. Speaking to ANI, Mishra also alleged that such a large-scale incident could not have taken place without the knowledge of certain individuals, including Champat Rai, Gopal Rao, and Anil Mishra. These allegations have not been established in court.
The Bar Association further said it has formed a committee of office-bearers to assist the prosecution in the case and plans to issue a formal communication outlining its decision.
The controversy follows allegations regarding the theft of donations, including claims that 70 kg of silver, 1,250 kg of gold, and ₹200 crore in cash were misappropriated. These allegations have become the subject of political debate, with opposition leaders demanding accountability.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has denied any wrongdoing. In a statement released over the weekend, the trust said all donations made by devotees are safe, properly accounted for, and managed through established procedures. The trust also said it was "shocked, hurt, and deeply saddened" by recent developments surrounding the temple.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday declined to urgently hear a petition seeking an investigation into the allegations. The court said the matter would be listed for hearing after the summer break.
The allegations remain under legal scrutiny, and no court has yet determined the guilt or liability of any individual named in connection with the case.
Sources: Hindustan Times
