Image Courtesy: India Today
Shortly after the Ayodhya verdict of the Supreme Court was pronounced, the CPI(M) issued a statement, “The court judgment has itself stated that the demolition of the Babri Masjid in December 1992 was a violation of law. This was a criminal act and an assault on the secular principle. The cases pertaining to the demolition should be expedited and the guilty punished,”
Many aspects of the Ayodhya verdict are being assailed as being contradictory and problematic by many who have reviewed the 1045 page long judgment but it is important to highlight that the Supreme Court did hold that the demolition of the mosque (Babri Masjid) was a violation of law, the trial in the criminal case remains subjudice even after 27 years. As The Telegraph put it, the demolition was “a deliberate, unprovoked and coordinated destruction of an edifice, traditionally used for worship by more than one community as also a collective and provocative act of violence”.
In April 2017, the Supreme Court had ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to complete hearings within 2 years by conducting daily hearings. That time period has already elapsed. The accused in the case include BJP leaders like L.K. Advani, M M Joshi, Uma Bharti and others and recently former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP Leader Kalyan Singh was summoned by the CBI special Court. It’s completely disgraceful that many of the 49 accused in the case are already deceased and this reflects upon the lackadaisical attitude of not just the judiciary and law enforcement agencies but also shows complete lack of political will. Justice delayed is justice denied, indeed?
This reflects poorly on not just the value of secularism that we so proudly uphold in our constitution but also on India as a nation which has in the past portrayed itself as a country with ‘unity in diversity’.
Related:
Babri demolition guilty should be brought to book: CPI-M
What is the Ram Temple Really about?
Ayodhya Dispute Case: Does the tortuous journey end now?
The Ayodhya – Babri Masjid – Ram Lalla triangle
The Other Ayodhya Case: Trial in Final Phase to Decide Fate of Babri Masjid Demolition Culprits
Babri Masjid demolition case: Special CBI court issues summons to Kalyan Singh