Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) chief Alok Kumar on Tuesday pushed back against the Faizabad Bar Association's resolution to deny legal representation to the accused in the Ram Mandir donation theft case, describing the move as politically motivated and constitutionally untenable. Kumar's remarks came a day after the association's president announced the blanket ban on representation.

What the Bar Association Decided

Faizabad Bar Association President Kalika Mishra on Monday declared that no advocate from the association would take up the defence of any accused in the Ram Mandir donation theft case. The announcement drew immediate attention given the high-profile and sensitive nature of the embezzlement allegations linked to one of India's most prominent religious sites.

VHP's Objection: Constitution and Professional Ethics

Kumar was unequivocal that while he holds no sympathy for those accused of stealing temple offerings, the Bar Association's resolution crosses a constitutional line. 'It is certain that there has been theft of offerings, and I have no sympathy for those accused. They should go to jail, face punishment, and bear the consequences of their actions. However, this proposal appears to be more political to me,' he said.

He invoked Article 22(1) of the Constitution of India, which guarantees every arrested person the fundamental right to be defended by a legal practitioner of their choice. Kumar also cited the Bar Council of India's rules of professional ethics, noting that an advocate practising in the court where a case is being heard cannot refuse to represent a client who approaches them. 'Such a proposal that no advocate will represent a particular case is against the Constitution, the law and even against professional ethics,' he added.

Supreme Court Precedent Cited

To bolster his argument, Kumar recalled a 2011 Supreme Court ruling involving a case before the Coimbatore Bar Association, which had resolved not to represent police officers accused of assaulting lawyers in a matter concerning Mohammad Rafi. The Supreme Court had struck down that resolution, reaffirming the constitutional right to counsel. Kumar urged the Faizabad Bar Association to take note of that precedent and reconsider its stand.

On the Embezzlement Row Itself

Addressing the underlying donation theft controversy, the VHP chief called it 'deeply unfortunate,' stressing that the incident should never have occurred at a site of such national and religious significance. 'Now, every possible effort should be made from all sides to ensure that those responsible are caught quickly. A case should be registered, the trial should proceed on a day-to-day basis, and the guilty should be punished. That alone will serve as atonement for this,' Kumar said.

The case is being closely watched given its implications for the administration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, whose trust and management have been under public scrutiny since the temple's consecration. How quickly authorities act on the theft allegations — and whether the accused receive fair trial — will test both institutional accountability and the rule of law.