09th November 2019 marked to be a landmark day for the people of India as the Apex Court of India announced a historic judgment on the Ayodhya Land Dispute. Supreme Court in its verdict announced that the temple would be constructed on that 2.77-acre disputed land that wrecked the country on the basis of socio-political sentiments. Muslims would be getting a separate land to create the mosque at Ayodhya.
The judgment was taken by a five-judge panel in the Apex Court consisting of CJI Ranjan Gogoi who gave a unanimous judgment there and then. The CJI was of the opinion that the land needs to be handed over to the Trust that must be formed by the Central Government in 90 days. The Temple Trust would be monitoring the preparations and the construction of the Temple as per the conditions laid down.
The SC Judgement that constituted 1045 pages was given as per the facts and figures and also with respect to close examination on every angle possible. SC was of the opinion that the Archaeological Survey of India gave concrete confirmations that the remains provided to them after the fall of the Babri Masjid. But the evidence stated that the remains did not look Islamic. Justices SA Bobde, DY Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S. Abdul Nazeer claimed the fact that the belief of the Hindus that Ayodhya is Lord Ram’s birthplace is uncontested. Some of the pre-existing structures like Ram Chabutra, Sita Rasoi, and Bhandar Grih proved to be concrete evidence that Lord Ram indeed resided here. But the title cannot be determined based on religion and faith, that they can only be termed as indicators for resolving this dispute.
Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi announced the verdict in a packed courtroom and the lawyers and supporters outside the court chanted “Jai Shri Ram” after it happened. On 30th September 2010, the Allahabad High Court declared that the disputed Ayodhya land should be separated into three sections, one for the idol of Lord Ram with the people involved with the representation of Ram Lalla Virajman, Nirmohi Akhara would receive Sita Rasoi and Ram Chabutra. Whereas Sunni Waqf Board would receive the rest of the land. All three defendants pleaded to the Supreme Court turning down the HC Order. The hearing began in the Supreme Court on October 16th, 2019 and it was pre-decided that the case would be closed within 40 days and it happened on the 09th November 2019.
Prior to the verdict, security was beefed up heavily in Ayodhya and on multiple parts of the country wherein communal tensions might escalate at levels unimaginable at any point in time. There were police barricades at important locations in the country. Cars, bikes, buses, trucks were all thoroughly checked by the police to avoid any possible scenario of discord. Even commandos were posted at some points of the country, and bunkers were created just in case. Many of the politicians, religious leaders, and other eminent personalities were also given additional security in the wake of the Ayodhya Verdict. They also focused on maintaining peace and harmony across the country and the judgment is not meant to hurt anybody’s religious sentiments. Even social media posts were being monitored carefully to curb down any incendiary posts that might come up after the judgment. But the verdict was welcomed by many as a move that would finally put the matter at rest.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his evening address on the evening of 09th November 2019 addressed the judgment as a positive move and a final closure to the long-standing verdict of the Ram Janmabhoomi. Prime Minister in his official tweet stated that “The Honorable Supreme Court has given its verdict on the Ayodhya issue. This verdict shouldn’t be seen as a win or loss for anybody. Be it Ram Bhakti or Rahim Bhakti, it is imperative that we strengthen the spirit of Rashtra Bhakti. May peace and harmony prevail.”
