The Faizabad Bar Association in Uttar Pradesh has resolved not to represent any accused in the alleged embezzlement of funds linked to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. In a general body meeting held on Monday, the association unanimously decided that any lawyer who chooses to appear on behalf of the accused will face a penalty of ₹5 lakh.
The decision comes amid growing controversy over the alleged misappropriation of donations made by devotees to the Ram Temple. According to Bar Association officials, the alleged theft of temple offerings has deeply hurt public sentiment and prompted the legal fraternity in Faizabad to take a firm stand.
Speaking after the meeting, Bar Association Secretary Shailendra Jaiswal said that all lawyers in Faizabad had agreed not to defend those arrested in connection with the case. He stated that the alleged embezzlement of funds donated by devotees was an issue that had caused widespread outrage.
The association also adopted another resolution demanding that Champat Rai, former General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, along with former trustee Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao, leave Ayodhya within three days. Lawyers warned that if the demand was not met, they would launch an agitation, including a blockade of the city.
The Bar Association's decision mirrors a similar stand it took in 2005, when it refused to represent the accused in the Ram Janmabhoomi terrorist attack case. Association members said the latest resolution reflects their collective sentiment regarding the alleged misuse of funds associated with the temple.
A video of Bar Association President Kalika Prasad Mishra announcing the decision has since gone viral on social media. In the video, he can be heard declaring that no lawyer would represent the accused and that any member violating the resolution would be fined ₹5 lakh. The announcement was met with applause from lawyers present at the meeting.
The association further stated that it would approach the court under Section 156(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure seeking directions for the registration of a criminal case against Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao. It also plans to demand a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged irregularities.
The Bar Association said its president and general body have finalized the decision and that further legal and organisational strategies will be discussed in the coming days.
The allegations surrounding the Ram Temple donation funds have triggered significant political and legal debate, with demands for an independent investigation continuing to grow. The accused have not publicly responded to the Bar Association's resolutions, and the allegations remain subject to legal proceedings.
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