Ayodhya Title Suit Live: All You Need To Know About The Ayodhya Verdict
Supreme Court is set to pronounce its verdict the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute. Follow live updates here.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
All You Need To Know About Today's Ayodhya Verdict
In a historic judgment that settled the 500-year old Ayodhya Land Dispute, a five-judge Supreme Court bench ruled in the favour of Hindus. Here’s BloombergQuint’s detailed coverage for the day.
Supreme Court Makes Way For Ram Temple
In a unanimous decision, a five-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Hindu parties in the Ayodhya Land Dispute. The disputed land will be handed over to a trust which will also have representation from the Nirmohi Akhara, the apex court said. It directed allotment of alternate land to the Muslims for construction of the mosque.
Security Tightened Across India
Security has been tightened across India following the Supreme Court’s verdict on the decades-old Ayodhya land dispute case. The Section 144, which prohibits assembly of four or more people in an area, has been imposed in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan after the Ayodhya verdict. In Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, it had been imposed as a precautionary measure last night.
Politicians React
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Supreme Court’s judgment on the disputed site at Ayodhya is notable as it “highlights that any dispute can be amicably solved in the spirit of due process of law”. He also exhorted Indians for the “calm and peace” maintained in the run-up to today’s verdict. That message of maintaining “calm and peace” came from all leaders from various parties, including Amit Shah, Congress Leaders, Asaduddin Owaisi, Rajnath Singh and others.
Legal Views
While the Supreme Court has granted the land to the Hindu parties, it has also held that the destruction of the mosque was an illegal act. “I don’t think any court could have achieved such a fine balance, and that too, in the present circumstances”, argues Sajan Poovayya, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court. Soli Sorabjee, Mohan Parasaran and Subramanian Swamy also gave their legal views on the 1,045-page judgment.
PM Modi Urges For A New, United India
On the historic day of the Ayodhya verdict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, urging the country to move towards a more united India.
The date of Nov. 9 has given us a lesson of unity, he said, reminding people that it is also the day the Kartarpur Corridor has been inaugurated. “Today’s events have showcased the unity in India’s diversity like few others,” he said. “Come, lets start a new beginning, the beginning of a new India.”
PM Modi's Message Of A United India
On the eve of the Ayodhya verdict, Prime Minister Modi said that the country has to move on to a united India. The date of Nov. 9 is giving us a lesson of unity, he said, reminding people that it is also the day the Kartarpur Corridor has been inaugurated. “Today’s events have showcased the unity in India’s diversity like few others,”he said.
History Is Being Written, Says PM Modi
Today's historic day and verdict has been gracefully accepted by the 1.25 crore citizens of the country. This is not taken from the pages of history, instead is being lived and written by the country in the present, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"It's heartening that the verdict came unanimously," he said.
Today is also a golden chapter in the history of the judiciary of India, says PM Modi on Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict.
PM Modi Speaks On Ayodhya Verdict
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is speaking the Supreme Court’s verdict on the 500-Year Old Ayodhya Land Dispute.
Watch Live: Shiv Sena's Reaction To Supreme Court's Ayodhya Verdict
Watch: Analysing The Legal And Political Impact Of Ayodhya Verdict
Ayodhya Verdict: Mandir, Masjid And Supreme Court: In Pictures
Nov. 9 will go down in India’s history as the day masjid and mandir won and lost legitimacy in the temple of justice.
BloombergQuint’s Arpan Chaturvedi captures the day, the verdict, the winners and losers.
Watch the best shots from the Ayodhya verdict here.
Supreme, But Not Infallible, Says Asaduddin Owaisi
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen Chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that it is travesty that the people responsible for demolishing the Babri mosque have today been handed the land to build a temple.
“The Supreme Court called the demolition of Babri mosque as a violation of the law. I ask, had the Babri mosque not been demolished on Dec. 6, then what would have the court ruled?” he said. “We were fighting for our legal rights. Not for some 5 acre piece of land.”
PM Narendra Modi Says Verdict Historic For Several Reasons
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the Supreme Court's verdict is important for several reasons as it shows how crucial it is to follow the legal process in resolving disputes amicably.
Amit Shah Congratulates Judiciary
“I welcome the Supreme Court’s decision on Shri Ram Janmabhoomi unanimously,” he said in a tweet. “I appeal to people of all communities and religions to accept this decision with ease and remain committed to our resolve of ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat’, full of peace and harmony.”
Nitin Gadkari Appeals For Peace
Road Transport and Highway Minister has said that in a democratic country everyone must accept the court's verdict. “Being a democratic country, we must all accept the court verdict. My only appeal to all the people is to maintain peace and calm across the country,” Gadkari said in a statement.
Congress Says Verdict Closes Doors For Temple Politics
The Congress party has said that the Supreme Court's decision was taken with respect for all faiths and beliefs.
The top court’s verdict has opened doors for the construction of the Ram temple, but it has also closed the doors for BJP and other parties to play politics with people’s faith and religion.Randeep Surjewala, Spokesperson, Congress
A 500-Year-Old Dispute, Settled
Watch: Sunni Waqf Board Reacts To Supreme Court's Verdict
Sunni Waqf Board’s lawyer has said that while some observations of the Supreme Court's verdict will help the secular fabric of India, but overall the decision is unsatisfactory.
The Sunni Waqf Board will now decide whether they will seek a review of the verdict or not.
The Sunni Waqf Board said that this is not a matter of victory or defeat for anyone. “No need to become overemotional about it. This was a legal fight and it has to be understood in that manner.”
Section 144 Imposed In Various Parts Of India
Section 144, which prohibits assembly of four or more people in an area, has been imposed in various parts of the country following the Supreme Court’s verdict. In Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, it had been imposed as a precautionary measure last night itself.
- Maharashtra: Section 144 imposed in Mumbai till 11 a.m. Sunday.
- Jammu & Kashmir: Section 144 imposed in entire area.
- Rajasthan: Section 144 imposed in Ajmer district and internet services suspended till 6 a.m. Sunday. In Sri Ganganar, it has been imposed till Nov. 19.
- Bengaluru: Section 144 imposed from 6 a.m. this morning till midnight.
Court's Verdict A Message Of Unity: Lawyer Of Hindu Mahasabha
Not Satisfied With Verdict: Sunni Waqf Board's Lawyer
Centre To Formulate Scheme For Setting Up Trust
The Supreme Court has ordered that the central government will formulate a scheme within 3-4 months for setting up a trust and hand over the disputed land.
Ayodhya Verdict: Supreme Court Rules In Favour Of Hindu Parties
The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of the Hindu parties in the Ayodhya land dispute case.
The disputed land will be handed over to a trust, which will also have representation from the Nirmohi Akhara.
The apex court has also directed allotment of alternate land to the Muslims for construction of a mosque “at a suitable place” in Ayodhya.
Read the full story here:
Muslims To Get Alternate Land For Construction: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has directed allotment of an alternate land to the Muslims for construction.
The evidence of Hindus stands on a better footing than Muslims, it said. On the balance of probabilities, there is evidence that worship by Hindus in the outer courtyard had continued, it added.
Demolition Of Disputed Structure Is Violation Of The Rule Of Law: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court said that the mosque was not abandoned or seceded by the Muslims.
The CJI said:
- The disputed site is one composite whole.
- The Sunni Waqf cannot claim adverse possession of the land.
- Sunni Waqf has not established their case.
- Their plea fails to meet requirement of adverse possession.
- Possession of outer court yard was with Hindus.
- Evidence suggests there was no abandonment of the mosque by the Muslims.
- Demolition of the disputed structure constitutes the violation of the rule of law.
Ram Janmabhoomi Not A Legal Entity: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court said that Ram Janmabhoomi, the birth place of Hindu deity Ram, is not a juristic person or a legal entity. However, it said that Ram Lalla, the child form of the deity, is a juristic person under Indian law.
Title Of Land Must Be Decided On Settled Legal Positions: Supreme Court
The Chief Justice said that the title of the land must be decided on settled legal positions.
The CJI said:
- Hindus consider Ayodhya as the birthplace of Lord Rama.
- Muslims followed the Babri mosque which Hindus consider as Ram Janmabhoomi.
- The disputed site was used for offering worship by the devotees of both faiths.
- Account of travellers must be viewed with circumspection.
Babri Mosque Not Built On Vacant Land, Says Supreme Court
The Archaeological Survey of India's report has noted that the Babri mosque was not constructed on vacant land, CJI said while reading the verdict. The report showed an existence of an underlying structure which was not of an Islamic origin, CJI said.
The ASI has not opined whether a temple was demolished for the construction of a mosque, he added.
Secularism Is A Basic Feature Of The Constitution: Chief Justice
The Supreme Court has said that secularism is a basic feature of the Constitution.
The mosque was built by Mir Baki under the orders of Mughal emperor Babur, the Chief Justice said. He noted that one of the parties to the case Nirmohi Akhara is not a shebait, or someone who serves a deity.
The suit by Nirmohi Akhara is barred by limitation, the CJI has said. Their acts do not satisfy the legal test of exclusive rights of management.
Chief Justice Starts Reading Verdict
The Chief Justice of India said that the bench has dismissed the Single Leave Petition filed by Shia Waqf Board challenging the 1946 order of Faizabad Court.
'It's A Unanimous Judgment': Chief Justice Of India
As the five-judge bench assembles to deliver its verdict, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said that the judgment is unanimous.
Doors For Chief Justice's Court Opened
The entry doors for court of the Chief Justice of India have been opened. The five-judge bench will pronounce the judgment soon.
Lawyers Representing Each Side Outside Chief Justice's Courtroom
Lawyers Gather Ahead Of Judgment
Scores of lawyers gathered outside the Chief Justice’s court to see the historic verdict be delivered.
Security Tightened Ahead Of Verdict
Security in and around the Supreme Court was increased on Saturday ahead of the judgment in the politically sensitive Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case, with barricades being put on roads leading to the apex court's premises.
A strong posse of security personnel have been deployed around the court complex and vehicles and pedestrians are being subjected to full checks.
A 135-Year-Old Legal Dispute Comes To An End
The Supreme Court is set to pronounce its verdict in the politically delicate matter of who owns the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The top court will deliver its verdict at 10:30 a.m.
The Supreme Court’s verdict will mark the end of a 500-year-old religious dispute that has continued to divide the country over a plot of land 2.77 acres in size. To Hindus, it’s the revered birthplace of Lord Ram. To Muslims, it’s the site of a 16th century mosque that was razed in 1992.
The legal dispute around the ownership of Ayodhya land started in 1950 when Gopal Singh Visharad filed the first petition in the case at a lower court in Faizabad. Subsequently, over the years, a number of petitions — claiming either ownership of the land or the right to pray at the disputed site — were filed in lower courts in Uttar Pradesh. Following the 1992 destruction of the Babri Mosque, which stood at the disputed site, all the petitions were transferred to the Allahabad High Court.
The Allahabad High Court in 2010 directed equal division of the land between Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla — Lord Ram in child form represented in court through the next friend.
After the high court verdict, the parties reached the apex court, which set up a Constitution bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices Dhananjay Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan, SA Bobde and SA Nazeer, to hear the matter. After the Supreme Court-directed mediation talks failed between the parties, the hearings began in August.
For the complete timeline of the case and the key arguments, read: