The Faizabad Bar Association resolved unanimously on Monday that none of its members would represent the eight individuals arrested in the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple.
The lawyers’ group also directed Ram temple officials Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao to depart Ayodhya within three days, threatening a citywide blockade if they did not comply, according to PTI.
The association further ruled that any member appearing for the accused must deposit Rs 5 lakh per accused with the body.
The decision came during a general body meeting amid anger over the reported misuse of offerings from devotees.
Bar Association president Kalika Prasad Mishra stated that no advocate from the group would defend the arrested individuals.
“If any lawyer still wishes to represent the accused, he or she will first have to submit an application and deposit Rs 5 lakh per accused with the Bar Association. The amount will be used to pursue the prosecution of the case,” Mishra said, as per PTI.
Although the three officials are linked to temple management, none has been named in the FIR. The Bar nonetheless demanded their exit from the town within three days and warned of blocking access to Ayodhya if ignored.
The association resolved to seek an FIR against the three under Section 156(3) of the BNSS, first approaching police and then courts if needed.
Members also agreed to request a CBI investigation by approaching the Allahabad High Court and, if required, the Supreme Court.
Bar Association secretary Shailendra Jaiswal noted that the legal community’s feelings were hurt by the alleged diversion of temple funds, leading to the unanimous stance against representing the accused.
The eight arrested individuals, involved in counting cash and valuables at the temple, have been placed in judicial custody until June 29.
Police conducted searches at their homes on Sunday as part of the probe.
Champat Rai and Anil Mishra could not be reached for comment. Ravi Mishra, son of Anil Mishra, maintained that his father had worked hard for the temple and done nothing wrong.
Media access outside the main temple entrance was restricted on Monday morning due to official orders.
