The Faizabad Bar Association may decline legal representation for eight individuals arrested for allegedly embezzling offerings at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
A final decision will be made during a general body meeting scheduled for Monday, June 29, 2026, according to bar officials.
The alleged theft has sparked widespread anger among local advocates, who are demanding strict action against those involved.
Bar Association President Kalika Mishra confirmed that the general body will determine the final stance of the advocates during the upcoming meeting.
Shailendra Jaiswal, secretary of the Faizabad Bar Association, said, "The sentiments of all of us have been hurt by the theft of temple offerings.
The lawyers of Faizabad have agreed not to plead on behalf of the arrested accused."
He added that further strategy will be prepared after the decision by the Bar Association president and the general body.
Procedural objections were also raised by legal professionals regarding how the suspects were presented to the judiciary.
Advocate Vivek Kumar Singh stated that the police should not have produced the accused under heavy security arrangements.
Senior advocate Rajendra Chaudhary argued that the actions of a few individuals tarnished the reputation of Ayodhya residents globally.
He said, "Due to the act of a few people, we residents of Ayodhya have got a bad name across the whole world.
Stern action should be taken against these accused by adopting the bulldozer policy."
Chaudhary also questioned the legal strength of the current First Information Report filed by the police, suggesting that loopholes would allow the suspects to secure freedom quickly.
"The report lodged is insufficient. This will cause no harm to the accused.
After a few days they will get bail and will roam around in society with their chests held high," he said.
Advocate Pramod Shankar Pandey, who previously participated in the Ram Mandir movement, characterized the incident as a highly disrespectful action.
He noted that the local community had contributed to the temple construction without expecting personal gains. "We people have cooperated in the temple construction selflessly.
Their act will give them a big punishment," he said.
