The Faizabad Bar Association on Monday, 29 June declared that no advocate from its ranks would represent the accused in the Ram Mandir donation theft case in Ayodhya, with the body's president warning of a steep financial penalty for any member who defies the directive. The decision reflects deepening public anger over alleged financial irregularities at the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust.

The Bar Association's Directive

Faizabad Bar Association President Kalika Mishra stated that the association had collectively resolved against defending the accused. 'It has been decided that no advocate will take up the case of the accused. If anyone fights the case, they will be required to pay Rs 5 lakh,' Mishra said. He clarified that the association had not issued a formal ultimatum but would monitor developments once the accused were produced before the court.

Mishra also indicated that advocates arriving from outside Ayodhya to represent the accused would face scrutiny. 'If any advocate comes from outside to fight the case, we will decide on that later,' he said, adding that the association would assess whether such lawyers were affiliated with the government, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), or the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust.

Prosecution Panel and Key Suspects

The association has constituted a dedicated panel of advocates to pursue the prosecution in the matter. According to Mishra, the committee — comprising named advocates and 12 additional members — will focus legal action on Champat Rai, Gopal Rao, and Anil Mishra, who are reportedly suspected by locals as primary figures in the case. 'If these people are found to be accused, they should not be allowed to leave Ayodhya,' Mishra said.

He added that prima facie public suspicion centres on these three individuals, with concerns that some of those already arrested may be minor participants rather than the principal offenders.

Demand for CBI Probe

Expressing dissatisfaction with the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry, Mishra said the association would write to the Central government demanding that the probe be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). 'People are not satisfied with the SIT investigation. A letter will be sent to the Central government seeking a CBI probe so that the real culprits can be identified,' he said.

This call reflects a broader sentiment in Ayodhya, where residents reportedly remain unconvinced that the SIT has the independence or capacity to pursue the case to its logical conclusion.

Trust Reforms and Public Confidence

Mishra also raised concerns about the structural composition of the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, arguing that the inclusion of external members was essential for transparency. 'The people of Ayodhya are reluctant to donate to the temple because they fear the money may be used for personal purposes. We have also demanded that the Trust should include members from outside, as otherwise the truth never comes out,' he said.

He opposed the reported selection of Nipendra Mishra as a representative in the matter, claiming the appointment could trigger controversy given his prior association with the government. As the case heads to court, the bar association's stance is set to shape the legal proceedings significantly in the days ahead.