Ayodhya Bar Refuses to Defend Ram Temple Donation Case Accused, Seeks CBI Probe

By Mahima Katal

Ayodhya, June 29: In a significant development in the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement case, the Faizabad Bar Association has unanimously resolved that none of its members will represent the eight accused arrested in connection with the alleged misappropriation of devotees' donations.

The resolution, passed during the Bar Association's general body meeting on Monday, further states that any advocate wishing to appear for the accused must first deposit a ₹5 lakh contribution for each accused into the Bar Association's account. According to the Association, the amount would be utilised to assist the prosecution in pursuing the case.

The move follows growing outrage among members of the legal fraternity over the alleged theft of offerings made at the Ram Temple.

"The sentiments of all of us have been hurt by the theft of temple offerings. The lawyers of Faizabad have agreed not to plead on behalf of the arrested accused," Bar Association Secretary Shailendra Jaiswal said.

Bar Association President Advocate Kalika Prasad Mishra said the Association would also seek a CBI investigationinto the alleged embezzlement. He stated that if the pending petitions before the Allahabad High Court do not result in a CBI probe, the Association will move the High Court independently and, if required, approach the Supreme Court seeking a court-monitored investigation.

Mishra further said the Association intends to seek registration of an FIR against Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai, along with Gopal Rao and Anil Mishra, over the alleged irregularities.

The Bar Association's resolution came shortly after the Supreme Court declined to urgently hear a petition seeking the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged embezzlement of donations received by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Two public interest litigations seeking a probe into the alleged misappropriation of donations and valuables at the temple are already pending before the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court.

The case currently involves eight accused booked under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including theft, criminal breach of trust, cheating and criminal conspiracy. They were remanded to judicial custody on June 27 and are scheduled to be produced before the special court dealing with corruption cases.According to reports, investigators have recovered ₹79.85 lakh from the accused so far.

The Bar Association's decision has added a new legal dimension to the high-profile case, which has drawn widespread public attention and raised questions over accountability in the management of donations made by devotees at the Ram Temple.