The Ayodhya Bar Association has passed a resolution demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the mishandling of public donations for the Ram Mandir, citing concerns over financial transparency and the alleged theft of temple offerings by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

The Association said that it is seeking a thorough investigation into the financial affairs and accounts of the Trust to ensure accountability. It decided to approach the Allahabad High Court seeking a court-monitored CBI investigation into the Trust's financial affairs.

At an extraordinary general body meeting, the Association also resolved that its members would not appear on behalf of persons accused in the alleged theft of temple offerings.

To enforce the decision, the Association said that any member who represents an accused would have to deposit a "sahyog dhanrashi" (contribution) of ₹5 lakh per accused into the Bar Association's fund.

Addressing concerns over whether such a collective decision could infringe an accused's right to legal representation, Ayodhya Bar Association Secretary Shailendra Jaiswal said that the resolution was confined to advocates who are members of the local Bar Association. He said,

"Our sentiments have been deeply hurt by the theft of temple offerings, not just as professionals, but as Hindus and residents of Ayodhya. I can only request and mandate the advocates within our association not to represent the accused. However, anyone from outside the Bar Association of Ayodhya is completely free to do so."

The development comes on the heels of the Supreme Court declining to urgently hear a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a CBI probe into alleged financial irregularities and missing funds related to donations made for the Ram Mandir.

While refusing urgent listing, a vacation bench of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Sheel Nagu on June 29, directed the petitioners to furnish a copy of the plea to the Registry and said the matter would be considered in due course.