The Ayodhya Bar Association has resolved not to defend any accused in the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement case, imposing a Rs 5 lakh fine on any lawyer who violates this decision. This move echoes a similar stance taken in 2005 when the association refused to represent accused in a terrorist attack on the makeshift Ram Lalla temple.
Bar Association's Decisions
After a meeting of the Bar Association governing body on Sunday, president Kalika Prasad Mishra announced, “No lawyer will represent the accused in the case and if anyone does, a fine of Rs 5 lakh will be imposed on them.” The association also demanded a CBI investigation into the matter and stated it would pursue judicial recourse, including approaching the Supreme Court of India.
In a dramatic escalation, the lawyers asked Ram Temple Trust general secretary Champat Rai, and members Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao to leave Ayodhya within three days. They warned of a blockade of the city if the three did not comply, preventing anyone from entering. Notably, none of these three have been named as accused in the FIR.
Details of the Case
Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged embezzlement of donations meant for the Ram Temple. They are Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ram Shankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava, and Ramashankar, alias Tinnu Yadav. Their police remand is set to end today. They were involved in counting cash and securing valuables donated to the temple.
The Ayodhya Bar Association has admonished that no lawyer, whether government or private, should represent the accused. The association further demanded a CBI probe into the case and said it would take judicial recourse for the same. Mishra stated, “The association will go up to the Supreme Court of India in the matter.”
Trust Resignations and Next Steps
Champat Rai and Anil Mishra have resigned from their positions in the Trust, which will take a call on the issue on July 7. The Bar Association's decisions have intensified the scrutiny on the Ram Temple Trust and the handling of donations.
