New Delhi, June 30 (IANS) Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) chief, Alok Kumar, on Tuesday opposed the Faizabad Bar Association’s decision to not represent the accused in the Ram Mandir donation theft case, calling the decision “political”.

Faizabad Bar Association President Kalika Mishra on Monday said that no advocate from the association would represent the accused in the Ram Mandir donation theft case.

Speaking to IANS, Alok Kumar said: “I have seen that proposal. It is certain that there has been theft of offerings, and I have no sympathy for those accused. They should go to jail, face punishment, and bear the consequences of their actions. However, this proposal appears to be more political to me.”

Recalling about a previous Supreme Court case, he said: “In 2011, in a case involving Mohammad Rafi before the Supreme Court, the Coimbatore Bar Association had resolved not to represent (police officers accused of assaulting lawyers). The Supreme Court disagreed with that resolution.”

Alok Kumar mentioned that the apex court had then referred to Article 22 (1) of the Constitution, which gives every arrested person the fundamental right to be defended by a legal practitioner of their choice.

Citing the Bar Council of India’s rule of professional ethics, the VHP chief said: “If somebody approaches an advocate who practices in the same court where the concerned case is being heard (to take up a case), the advocate does not have the right to refuse.”

“It (Bar Council) has also said that such a proposal that no advocate will represent a particular case, is against the Constitution, the law and even against professional ethics,” he added.

Alok Kumar urged the Faizabad Bar Associated to acknowledge the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the matter.

Responding to questions over the Ram Temple donation embezzlement row, the VHP chief called it “deeply unfortunate”.

“This should not have happened. We accept that this is a very unfortunate incident. Now, every possible effort should be made from all sides to ensure that those responsible are caught quickly. A case should be registered, the trial should proceed on a day-to-day basis, and the guilty should be punished. That alone will serve as atonement for this,” he said.

–IANS

cg/rad