Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) chief, Alok Kumar, criticized the Faizabad Bar Association for refusing to represent the accused in the Ram Mandir donation theft case, labeling it as a “political” move. The President of the Faizabad Bar Association, Kalika Mishra, had announced that no advocate from their association would defend the accused in the said case. Alok Kumar expressed his disapproval of this decision, emphasizing that while he does not sympathize with the accused, they are entitled to legal representation as per constitutional rights.
Alok Kumar referred to a past incident in 2011 involving the Coimbatore Bar Association’s refusal to represent police officers accused of assaulting lawyers before the Supreme Court. He highlighted the Supreme Court’s disagreement with the bar association’s resolution, citing Article 22 (1) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right of every arrested individual to legal defense. The VHP chief underscored the importance of upholding professional ethics and constitutional principles, stating that denying legal representation goes against the law.
He further stressed that under the Bar Council of India’s rules, advocates practicing in the same court where a case is being heard cannot decline to take up a case. Alok Kumar urged the Faizabad Bar Association to respect the Supreme Court’s stance on the matter and ensure that legal rights are upheld. Responding to queries regarding the embezzlement controversy surrounding Ram Temple donations, he described the situation as regrettable and called for swift action to apprehend the culprits and ensure justice through a fair trial.
