An emergency executive meeting convened by the Ayodhya Bar Association on Monday, June 29, 2026, resulted in a unanimous resolution to deny legal representation to the eight individuals accused in the Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case. Association President Kalika Prasad Mishr issued a strict warning to the legal community regarding compliance with the decision, stating, “No lawyer will represent the accused in the case and if anyone does, a fine of ₹5 lakh will be imposed on them.”
The eight accused individuals—who were responsible for processing cash and handling valuable offerings deposited by devotees into donation boxes—face multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including theft, criminal breach of trust, cheating, and criminal conspiracy. Following their arrest, a local court extended their judicial custody.
The general body meeting also saw intense demands directed at the leadership of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Expressing deep public dissatisfaction over the misappropriation, several advocates demanded that the former general secretary of the trust, Champat Rai, along with trustee Anil Mishra and temple construction in-charge Gopal Rai, leave Ayodhya within three days. The legal body threatened a complete blockade of the city if the trio failed to comply.
