News – Ayodhya Court to Hear Ram Temple Donation Case Amid Tight Security
News – Authorities are continuing legal action in the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement case as judicial proceedings move forward in Ayodhya.
Eight individuals accused in the alleged misappropriation of donations collected at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya are scheduled to appear before the Special Court dealing with Corruption Act cases on Monday. The court is expected to review their judicial custody, while the local legal fraternity prepares to decide whether advocates from the district will represent the accused during the proceedings.
Security Strengthened Around Court Complex
Extensive security arrangements have been made at the Ayodhya court premises ahead of the hearing. Police personnel have been deployed inside and outside the court complex to maintain law and order during the proceedings. The accused were remanded to judicial custody until Monday by a remand magistrate on Friday and are expected to remain in custody following the latest court appearance.
At the same time, the Ayodhya Bar Association is holding a meeting to determine its stand on legal representation for the accused in the case.
Bar Association to Decide on Legal Representation
Ayodhya Bar Association President Kalika Prasad Mishra said the Faizabad Advocates’ Association convened a meeting at 10:30 a.m. to discuss whether local lawyers should defend the accused. According to him, the final decision will reflect the collective opinion of the association rather than that of any individual member.
Mishra stated that members would carefully consider the legal and public aspects of the matter before reaching a conclusion. He indicated that the association’s decision is expected to take into account the interests of the temple while remaining within the framework of legal practice.
Possibility of Virtual Court Proceedings
The Bar Association president also suggested that the hearing could take place through video conferencing from the jail where the accused are currently lodged. He noted that such an arrangement would be practical for both the administration and the legal community while ensuring that judicial proceedings continue without disruption.
FIR Registered Following Allegations
The case gained momentum after an FIR was registered on June 25 over allegations of irregularities involving donations received at the Ram Temple. Officials said the case has been filed under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 306, 316(5), 317(4), 317(5), 61 and 3(5). The FIR was lodged following directions issued by the Uttar Pradesh Government.
Among those named in the complaint are Anukalp Mishra, Lavkush Mishra, Avinash Shukla, Tinnu Yadav, Manish Yadav and several others. The allegations emerged after former Samajwadi Party MLA Pawan Pandey claimed that donations amounting to nearly Rs 7 crore to Rs 7.5 crore had been diverted from temple funds.
SIT Investigation Continues
Earlier, on June 14, the Uttar Pradesh Government constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team to examine the allegations. The inquiry was initiated after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Trust requested an investigation into the reported financial irregularities involving offerings made by devotees.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak has stated that the government expects an impartial investigation and that strict action will be taken if any wrongdoing is established through the inquiry.
Political Debate Intensifies
The investigation has also become a major political issue in Uttar Pradesh. Leaders from both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and opposition parties have exchanged criticism regarding the management of temple donations and the handling of the allegations. However, officials have maintained that the investigation is ongoing and that further action will depend on the findings of the Special Investigation Team and the judicial process.