Ayodhya Lawyers Boycott Ram Temple Embezzlement Accused Amid Trust Scandal

The Faizabad Bar Association, also known as the Ayodhya Bar Association, has taken a firm stand by resolving that none of its members will represent the eight individuals accused of embezzling donations from the revered Ram Temple in Ayodhya. This decision, announced on Monday, June 29, 2026, followed an emergency meeting where the association's president, Kalika Prasad Mishra, declared that any lawyer violating the resolution would face a hefty fine of ₹5 lakh. The lawyers cited that their sentiments had been deeply hurt by the alleged theft of temple offerings, considering the sacred nature of the donations. The controversy intensified after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted its preliminary report, leading to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) on June 25, 2026, based on a complaint filed by Krishna Mohan, a member of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The Uttar Pradesh government had constituted the three-member SIT on June 13, 2026, at the Trust's request, after Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and others raised allegations of large-scale financial irregularities. The accused, identified as individuals involved in handling and counting cash and valuables donated by devotees, include Avinash Shukla, Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Manish Kumar Yadav, Karunesh Pandey, Ramashankar Mishra, Subhash Srivastava, and Ramashankar Yadav alias Tinnu. In a significant development that adds another layer to the scandal, reports indicate that the State Bank of India (SBI) had raised concerns about potential irregularities in the donation collection process and had recommended replacing the cash-counting staff approximately three months before the alleged embezzlement came to light. However, this recommendation was reportedly disregarded, with some officials associated with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust allegedly intervening to prevent the removal of these employees. The police are now investigating the role of these bank officials, including Ratnesh Chaturvedi and Gagandeep, who were reportedly supervising the counting process. Eight accused individuals were arrested in connection with the case and subsequently remanded to 14-day judicial custody by an Ayodhya court on June 29, 2026. Authorities have so far recovered nearly ₹80 lakh (approximately ₹79.85 lakh) in cash and some foreign currency from seven of the eight accused, conducting raids at their residences. The outrage among the Ayodhya legal fraternity extends beyond the refusal to represent the accused. The Faizabad Bar Association has also demanded that former General Secretary of the Ram Temple Trust Champat Rai, trustee Anil Mishra, and temple construction in-charge Gopal Rao leave Ayodhya within three days. The lawyers warned of a complete blockade of the city if their demand is not met. Following the escalating controversy, both Champat Rai and Anil Mishra have resigned from their positions in the Trust, citing moral responsibility. The Trust itself has expressed its shock and sadness over the incidents, reassuring devotees of its commitment to a fair investigation. This is not the first time the Faizabad Bar Association has taken such a stance; they made a similar decision in 2005, refusing to defend those accused in a terrorist attack on the makeshift Ram Temple. Meanwhile, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court, seeking a time-bound investigation by a CBI-led multidisciplinary team. However, a vacation bench of the Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing, stating that "heavens are not going to fall" and the matter would be heard after the summer break. The ongoing investigation continues to probe financial records, employee verification, and CCTV monitoring lapses, with the possibility of more individuals coming under scrutiny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest