Ram Temple Theft Row: Ayodhya Lawyers May Refuse to Defend Eight Accused

The alleged misappropriation of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has sparked strong reactions in Uttar Pradesh, with members of the Faizabad Bar Association indicating that the eight arrested accused may struggle to find legal representation in the district court. While the allegations have deeply hurt local sentiments, the development has also reignited debate over an accused person's constitutional right to legal defence.

The case has attracted widespread attention because the accused were allegedly involved in handling cash and valuables donated by devotees at one of India's most significant religious sites.

Faizabad lawyers consider boycott

According to legal practitioners quoted by PTI, lawyers in Faizabad have broadly agreed not to appear for the accused. A final decision is expected after a general body meeting of the Faizabad Bar Association.

Bar Association president Kalika Mishra said the association would take a formal call after discussions among members.

Bar Association secretary Shailendra Jaiswal said the alleged theft of temple offerings had deeply hurt the legal fraternity.

"Our sentiments have been hurt by the theft of temple offerings. The lawyers of Faizabad have agreed not to plead on behalf of the arrested accused. In this matter, a decision will be taken by the Bar Association president and the general body of the Bar. After this, the further strategy will be prepared," Jaiswal told PTI.

Several lawyers also made strong remarks against the accused. Advocate Vivek Kumar Singh questioned why "such social criminals" were produced before the magistrate under heavy security, while senior advocate Rajendra Chaudhary said the alleged incident had tarnished Ayodhya's image and called for strict action, including what he described as the "bulldozer policy."

Right to legal representation remains fundamental

While the proposed refusal reflects the intensity of public anger, legal experts point out that every accused person has the right to legal representation regardless of the nature of the allegations.

Indian courts have consistently held that access to legal counsel is an essential component of a fair trial. Even if private lawyers decline to appear, courts can appoint legal aid counsel to ensure criminal proceedings comply with constitutional guarantees.

The Bar Association's eventual decision, therefore, may influence the immediate course of the proceedings but cannot deprive the accused of their right to a legal defence.

Eight accused in judicial 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 allegedly associated with counting and handling cash and valuables received as donations at the Ram Temple.

A court in Ayodhya has sent all eight accused to judicial custody till June 29. Police are expected to seek custodial remand when they are produced before the court on Monday, allowing investigators to question them further regarding the alleged diversion of temple donations.

Rs 79.85 lakh recovered so far

According to the prosecution, investigators have recovered Rs 79.85 lakh during the probe.

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. Authorities have also invoked sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The inclusion of anti-corruption provisions suggests investigators are examining whether the accused occupied positions of trust connected to the custody and accounting of temple donations. The precise nature of the allegations will ultimately depend on evidence gathered during the investigation, including financial records, witness statements and any documentary or digital material presented before the court.

SIT probe led to arrests

The criminal case stems from a preliminary report submitted by a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government after allegations of misappropriation surfaced earlier this month.

Based on the SIT's findings, police registered an FIR and subsequently arrested the eight accused.

Police teams also carried out simultaneous searches at the residences of all eight accused in the presence of local magistrates. According to police sources cited by PTI, searches were conducted at the homes of Lav Kush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Ramashankar Yadav and the other accused to recover cash, valuables, documents or other material linked to the alleged offence.