Ayodhya lawyers stage protest march, demand FIR against Champat Rai and others

Faizabad Bar Association President Kalika Prasad Mishra along with lawyers of the association proceed to Ram Janm Bhoomi Police Station to lodge a police complaint in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh on July 2, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI

Lawyers of Faizabad Bar Association on Thursday (July 2, 2026) staged a protest march against the alleged misappropriation of donor funds at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and submitted a petition seeking a First Information Report (FIR) against Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, General Secretary, Champat Mishra, two other members of the trust, An Champat Rai and two other members of the trust

The lawyers marched from the court building to the Ram Janmabhoomi police station in Ayodhya, demanding that the police register a case followed by a fair and impartial investigation.

A large number of lawyers chanted slogans during the march, demanding the registration of an FIR and an inquiry into the senior officials of the Trust. The Bar Association had earlier suggested that its registered lawyers would not represent the accused in the matter and warned that any lawyer who chose to do so would face a fine of ₹5,000. Police personnel faced problems in managing the crowd during the march, with some lawyers claiming they suffered minor injuries due to the stampede.

At the police station, dozens of lawyers barged into the Station House Officer’s office and demanded an immediate filing of the case, while police officials tried to pacify them by assuring them that the petition would be reviewed and appropriate legal action would follow. The petition sought an FIR against Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, Gopal Rao and Krishna Dev Giri.

“The Bar Association has sought registration of an FIR against the individuals named in the petition in connection with the alleged misappropriation of donations to the Ram temple and has called for an impartial investigation. Rao is involved in the construction of the temple and is associated with the activities of the Trust,” a member of the Bar Association told The Hindu.

The Congress party supported the lawyers’ demand and said that the government machinery is being openly used to protect powerful individuals. “Serious allegations of theft of hard-earned money and precious jewelery donated by millions of devotees from India and abroad for the magnificent temple of Lord Shri Ram are emerging. An official complaint filed by the General Secretary of Faizabad Bar Association, Ayodhya at Ram Janmabhoomi Police Station directly accuses influential officials like An Ramo Rami Temple, Ramo Rami and Trust. embezzlement of crores of rupees and well-planned conspiracy Congress party asks why government machinery is being openly misused to save these serious accused in BJP government doing politics in the name of faith?Uttar Pradesh state unit president Ajay Rai said.

“The advocates have directly warned (everyone) that this movement is not over but only postponed and if the case is not registered immediately and strict legal action is not taken then a nationwide movement on a large scale will be started. Congress stands behind the just demand of lawyers against this tampering with the faith of millions of Ram devotees,” he said, asking for a transparent account of every donation offered earlier before Lord. Rai.

Published – 02 Jul 2026 23:23 IST