India, June 29 -- The Faizabad Bar Association in Uttar Pradesh has decided not to represent those accused in the alleged embezzlement of funds linked to the Ram temple in Ayodhya. In a general body meeting on Monday, the Bar warned that any member who takes up the case for the accused will face a fine of Rs.5 lakh.

During the meeting, lawyers also demanded that Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao-figures linked to the controversy-leave Ayodhya within three days, threatening to blockade the city if they did not comply. Champat Rai was the general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust, and recently stepped down from the post alongside Mishra, another trustee.

This bar association's move echoes its 2005 decision when it refused ...