Ayodhya verdict likely to head to Supreme Court: Advani

AHMEDABAD - Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani has said that he expects the title case related to the disputed Babri Masjid in Ayodhya to go to the Supreme Court.

“I have already told my MPs in a Parliamentary party meeting that I would request you not to speculate. We will react and decide what is to be done only once the verdict is declared,” said Advani.

“As per my estimate, I believe no matter the verdict is in whose favour, the matter has to go to the Supreme Court,” he added.

The Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court had on Friday rejected an application for deferment of the Ayodhya verdict scheduled to be announced on September 24.

Even as the administrative machinery geared up to combat any possible violence after a court verdict on the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid issue, a petition was filed on Friday to delay the judgement before the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court.

The verdict on the 60- year-old Ayodhya title suits to determine who the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid land belongs to? And was the Masjid built over a temple?

The court considered a plea that the verdict be deferred on the grounds that it would result in a breakdown of law and order. If the court had granted it, the verdict could have been delayed by six months.

On Thursday, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni asked disputing parties to respect the judgement in the case.

“The Ayodhya verdict should be respected by all. The issue cannot be resolved unless all parties accept the verdict,” she said.

“The judgment is the outcome of a long judicial process. It should be treated with utmost respect. The judgment is one step ahead in the judicial process. In case any of parties feel further judicial consideration is required, further legal remedies are available. There should not be any attempt by people to provoke anyone. India is firmly on the path on inclusive growth. This is recognised by the world. We should not do anything to disrespect this,” she added.

Advani and 20 other Bharatiya Janata Party and Sangh Pavivar leaders had on May 20 got a reprieve with the Allahabad High Court rejecting a plea to revive criminal cases against them in the case.

The Lucknow Bench of the court dismissed a plea of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to revive criminal cases against these accused.
The High Court decision implies that trial in criminal cases related the demolition would now be held against 26 little-known Sangh Parivar workers.

In his judgment, Justice Alok Kumar Singh said nothing has been found against the correctness, legality, propriety or regularity in respect of any of the findings of the lower court.

The CBI had sought the court’s intervention to revive criminal cases against Advani and others, against whom the trial court had dropped the charge of criminal conspiracy for the mosque’s demolition on December 6, 1992 at Ayodhya.

Those who benefit from the High Court’s order besides Advani include senior leaders Murli Manohar Joshi and Vinay Katiyar, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh, former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Uma Bharti, and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal.

The demolition of the 16th century mosque had triggered widespread communal riots across the country. (ANI)