Ayodhya lawyers refuse to represent Ram Temple embezzlement accused

The Ayodhya Bar Association has refused to represent the accused in the Ram Mandir donation embezzlement case. In an emergency meeting called by the association on Monday (June 29, 2026), its president Kalika Prasad Mishra warned that any lawyer representing the accused will be fined ₹5 lakh.

“No lawyer will represent the accused in the case and if anyone does, a fine of ₹5 lakh will be imposed on them,” he said.

At the meeting, many advocates demanded that the former general secretary of the Ram Temple Trust Champat Rai, trustee Anil Mishra, and temple construction in-charge Gopal Rai leave Ayodhya within three days. The lawyers threatened to blockade the city and prevent the entry of people if the trio did not leave.

Eight persons have been named as accused in a First Information Report (FIR) over the alleged embezzlement of donations received by the temple. They have been arrested and sent to judicial custody until June 29. 

The accused have been booked under charges including theft, criminal breach of trust, cheating and criminal conspiracy under multiple sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The accused included close aides of Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust chief Mr. Rai.

According to the FIR, the accused were involved in the counting cash and handled valuables donated by devotees at the temple. Officials have alleged that the accused had misappropriated donations collected through boxes on the temple premises.