Ram Mandir Donation Case: Ayodhya Bar Refuses to Defend Accused, Warns of Rs 5 Lakh Fine

The accused in the alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case may find it difficult to secure legal representation after the Ayodhya Bar Association on Monday resolved that no lawyer would appear for them in court. The decision was announced while the eight accused remained in judicial custody in connection with the alleged misappropriation of donations offered by devotees at the Ram Temple. The Bar also warned that any lawyer who chose to represent the accused would face a fine of Rs 5 lakh.

The decision came during a meeting of the Faizabad Advocates' Association as strong local sentiment continued to build over the alleged theft of temple donations.

Ayodhya Bar Association president Kalika Prasad Mishra said no member of the Bar would represent the accused in the case.

"No lawyer will represent the accused in the case and if anyone does a fine of Rs 5 lakh will be imposed on them," Mishra said.

The announcement followed earlier statements by office-bearers of the Bar who had said the alleged theft of temple offerings had deeply hurt the legal fraternity.

Earlier Bar Association secretary Shailendra Jaiswal had said lawyers in Faizabad had broadly agreed not to appear for the accused because their sentiments had been hurt by the alleged misappropriation of devotees' offerings.

The meeting to formalise the Bar's stand was underway in Ayodhya on Monday.

#WATCH | Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh | alleged Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case | Kalika Prasad Mishra, President, Ayodhya Bar Association says, "No lawyer will represent the accused in the case and if anyone does, a fine of Rs 5 lakh will be imposed on them" https://t.co/6qBJejQvzj pic.twitter.com/uqZqaLDnKu

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Right to legal defence remains protected

While the Bar's decision reflects strong public anger legal experts point out that every accused person is entitled to legal representation under the Constitution regardless of the allegations against them.

Courts have consistently held that access to legal counsel is an essential part of a fair trial. Even if private lawyers refuse to appear the court can appoint legal aid counsel to ensure criminal proceedings continue in accordance with the law.

The Bar's resolution therefore cannot take away the accused's legal right to defence though it may affect the immediate conduct of proceedings.

Eight accused remain in custody

The eight arrested accused have been identified as Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lav Kush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ram Shankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava and Ramashankar alias Tinnu Yadav.

According to investigators they were associated with counting and handling cash and valuables donated by devotees at the Ram Temple.

Police are expected to seek their custodial remand after producing them before the court as investigators continue questioning them over the alleged diversion of temple donations.

Rs 79.85 lakh recovered during probe

According to the prosecution investigators have recovered Rs 79.85 lakh so far during the investigation.

The FIR has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to theft by a servant criminal breach of trust receiving stolen property and criminal conspiracy. Sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act have also been invoked.

Investigators are examining whether the accused abused positions of trust while handling temple donations. The allegations will ultimately be tested through financial records witness statements digital evidence and material placed before the court.

SIT findings led to arrests

The case originated from a preliminary report submitted by a three-member Special Investigation Team constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government after allegations of donation embezzlement surfaced earlier this month.

Based on the report police registered an FIR and arrested the eight accused.

Police teams later conducted simultaneous searches at the residences of all eight accused in the presence of local magistrates. Investigators searched for cash valuables documents and other material believed to be connected to the alleged offence.

The investigation is continuing while the court considers the police request for further custody and the evidence collected so far.