AYODHYA Verdict | Supreme Court upholds the Secular Fabric of India

AYODHYA Verdict | Supreme Court upholds the Secular Fabric of India

- Demolition of Babri Masjid was violation of law

- Findings of ASI carried primary weight in the decision

- Nirmohi Akhara and Shia Wakf petitions disquqalified

- Disputed land 2.77 Acres given to Government Trust - Ownership with Deity of Ram Lalla

- Sunni Wakf Board to ba allotted 5 Acre of Land in prime location

 
AYODHYA Verdict | Supreme Court upholds the Secular Fabric of India
Landmark verdict by Supreme Court ensures that the secular perspective of the nation is upheld on the basis of facts and findings

It was 27 years ago that the Babri Masjid was demolished by an unruly mob led by VHP radicals supported by its allies.  27 years after this act, and churning of facts, involvement of social activists, religious bodies, administrative and judicial decisions see-sawing the judgement on what became a disputed land, the verdict is finally out and for all to see.

The 5 member bench of the Supreme Court, comprising of Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde, Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice Abdul Nazeer, led by the Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi read out the verdict between 1030hrs and 1100hrs today.  The decision, which was based on a deep study of facts, findings, religious sentiments and thousands of arguments resulted in moderate decision that has if not anything else, upheld the secular fabric of the democracy that is India.  This decision has largely ensured that the religious sentiments are upheld, while taking cogniscance of facts that were delivered by findings of the Archeologicall Survey of India (ASI).

What is the Decision

Subsequent to Allahabad High Court giving its judgment on allocating the land in ratio of 2:1 in favour of Hindu litigants, the decision, both sides moved the Supreme Court. The disputed land at Ayodhya, which is 2.77 Acre, has been allotted to a trust that will be run by the government, for building the temple, while a 5 Acre plot will be allotted to the Muslims to build a Masjid.  This landmark verdict has settled the decades old dispute, which had become a catch phrase in elections since 1993, be it municipal, assembly or Lok Sabha elections. This decision will ensure that the disputed matter will not be an election agenda for any political party - which had well been the case over last three decades.

How the verdict was pronounced

Chief Justice of India pronounced the verdict after preparing the basis using the following points:

  • Babri Masjid was not built on vacant land - as per ASI
  • Evidence available that Hindus had been praying in the outer courtyard.
  • Sunni claims that Namaz was being offered in the Masjid till the date of destruction of the structure
  • ASI finds evidence on site of the presence of temple ruins
  • ASI finding that Masjid was not constructed on vacant land
  • Railing was setup in the premises to ensure that both sides are able to conduct peaceful worship

The 5 member bench also disqualified the litigation by the Shia Wakf Board and Nirmohi Akhara while giving the ownership of the disputed land to Deity of Ram Lalla.  The land will however be handed over to a government run trust (receiver) to facilitate the construction of a Mandir. Sunni Wakf will however, be allotted 5 Acre land in a prime location for construction of a Masjid.

Religious leaders, politicians and public figures across the nation have welcomed the decision and appealed for maintaining peace and harmony, while respecting the decision by the apex court. Lawyer of the Sunni Wakf Board, however said that though they do not disagree with all points in the decision, they are still not happy with the verdict and will file a review petition. The Indian National Congress and AAP alongwith leaders of the ruling BJP have expressed their agreement with the decision.

Common Man and the Ayodhya Dispute

Since 1980, when the dispute over this 2.77acre of land came into limelight, followed by the destruction of a physical structure that was sacred to a particular community, many lives have been lost.  Over 2,000 people were killed in the riots that followed the demolition of the Babri Masjid.  Being Indian and the fabric of a secular democracy, with which the Indian Tricolor flew single and high across the globe, was shamed and shattered in the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition, which was a shameful and illegal act.  However, now that the structure was demolished and altercations took place across the country, what followed over the last 3 decades was rampage, destruction, loss of human lives and false promises that helped rogues win elections, psychologically victimizing the gullible voter.

An average human is full of fear.  The surface of fear is where the algae of faith and the fear of the unknown breeds. Leaders, both political and religious use their very fear to further their cause...of being followed and respected. Because the common man does not look out for correct guidance in terms of understanding how the balance between religion and society needs to be maintained - is when they are taken for a ride, and slips.  This is exactly what happened in the case of the Babri Masji demolition and its aftermath.  A few rogue leaders, put together a band of people who were blindly following emotional discourses and speeches, interpretations of religious or traditional literature, and demolished a structure that was very sacred to a particular community, which was classified as a minority in the country of their birth.  Anger and emotions bubbled up.  Self-proclaimed religious preachers and opportunist politicians took advantage of this delicate thread of raw and immature emotions, and to cook their own fabric, which would only protect themselves.

Inter community altercations took place over the years, people were cheated of their emotions, their freedom of expression was suppressed their right to choose their leaders was manipulated and the machinery of hatred flourished.

Today's verdict, should make the common man realise that the apex court, which is appointed a 5 member bench comprising of highly learned and qualified men of integrity have upheld the decision to be a decision for the people, a decision for India.  IT is not a Anti / Pro religion decision. This decision ensures that firstly this dispute comes to a full stop and second, that scientific findings and facts are far more important than emotions.  History can be tweaked... facts cannot be.

Now again, with the allotment of the existing land - what will the owners do.  Will they proceed with the construction of another temple in the land of temples or another masjid where there are plenty anyways - or will they think...if this land is provided for something that is holy in nature, why not build a small section for prayer and in the allotted area, construct a small school or a hospital for the needy. The money that would come in donations in huge, very huge numbers towards the temple and masjid, can very well go into providing facilities for the poor, school for children, hospitals for the ill, who cannot afford basic care. The money, rather than be used towards putting a crown of gold and diamonds on the deity, or constructing a minaar of gold, can go towards health, education and food.  The one who visits or stays here will leave thanking God. This is what places of religious worship are needed for...to thank God.

To join us on Facebook Click Here and Subscribe to UdaipurTimes Broadcast channels on   GoogleNews |  Telegram |  Signal