Ayodhya Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid verdict reactions live updates:
The outcome of one of India’s most significant and sensitive litigation will be known Saturday morning when a five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, rules on appeals challenging a 2010 order on the title to the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya.
Soon after the verdict date was announced on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for calm, underlining that the judgment “will not be anyone’s loss or victory”. Taking to Twitter, the PM said: “The Supreme Court will rule on Ayodhya tomorrow. In the last few months, there was continuous hearing on this issue and the whole country was following it with curiosity. While the hearing was on, all sections of the society made efforts to maintain a harmonious atmosphere which is highly appreciated.”
PM Modi Friday said, “According the highest respect to the judiciary, various sections of society, social and cultural organisations and all parties have put in efforts in the last few days to maintain amity and positive atmosphere. This is very welcome. We have to maintain amity even after the verdict is delivered.”
“Whatever be the Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya, it will not be anyone’s loss or victory. My appeal to countrymen is that it should be our priority that the verdict strengthens India’s great tradition of peace, unity and amity,” he tweeted.
Also Read:
Timeline of Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title case
Ahead of Ayodhya ruling, CJI meets UP’s Chief Secretary, DGP in chamber
Ayodhya verdict: Section 144 imposed in Jammu, schools and colleges closed
Ayodhya verdict today: No objectionable posts, no slogans, no celebrations, warn cops
The Supreme Court's judgement in the Ayodhya case will shape the political and social landscape of India, the US media reported on Saturday, noting the steps taken by the Indian government to maintain law and order in the country after the verdict. For all the case's historical origins, “its judgment will help shape India's political and social landscape,” The Wall Street Journal, which has been following the case closely, said in a news dispatch from New Delhi.
Most of the mainstream American media, which reported about the verdict, underscored that the ruling by the five-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi was unanimous. It also noted the steps taken by the government to maintain law and order in the country and across the board for overall acceptance of the apex court's judgement in this regard.
monthly limit of free stories.
with an Express account.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav took to poetry while reacting to the Supreme Court verdict on the Ayodhya dispute and termed the judgment "an important step in the right direction". Settling a fractious issue that goes back more than a century, the Supreme Court in a historic verdict on Saturday backed the construction of a Ram temple by a trust at the disputed site in Ayodhya, and ruled that an alternative five-acre plot must be found for a mosque in the Hindu holy town. "'Jo faisley faslon ko ghatatey hain, woh insaan ko behtar insaan banate hain' (The decisions which bridges the gap, makes a better human being," Yadav tweeted. Later in a release, he said the verdict would be remembered as "historic" and hoped that everybody would maintain peace and none would hurt feelings of any community or create any tension.
Odisha's ruling Biju Janata Dal on Saturday maintained silence on the Supreme Court judgment on the Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case. The state BJP also kept mum on this issue, though the Congress came out with a reaction. The Trinamool Congress on maintained silence on the Ayodhya verdict. According to TMC sources, there has been "strict instruction" from the party top brass asking its leaders not to "utter a single word" on the judgement.
Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Saturday objected to the timing of the Ayodhya verdict, which coincides with the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor, saying he was "deeply saddened" at the "insensitivity" shown at such a joyous occasion.
The MEA hit out at Pakistan and rejected Islamabad's "pathological compulsion" to comment on its internal affairs with the obvious intent of spreading hatred is condemnable.
BJP veteran L K Advani, a key architect of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, on Saturday wholeheartedly welcomed the historic Supreme Court judgment on the Ayodhya issue, saying that he stood vindicated and felt deeply blessed. "I stand vindicated, and feel deeply blessed, that the Supreme Court has given its unanimous verdict paving the way for the construction of a magnificent temple for Lord Ram at Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya," he added.
UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that Supreme Court's decision on Ayodhya has proved that there's unity in the country. He thanked all the citizens who welcomed the decision.
"The decision means a lot to Uttar Pradesh and this decision has proved that we can make bigger decision maintaining peace and calm," added Adityanath
Tripura Waqf Board chief Baharul Islam Majumder said the Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya issue has tried to solve a long-standing critical issue. "We hope the apex court verdict will be accepted and honoured throughout the country. Considering everything, the Court has tried to attend to all sides. If anyone has any submission, they can further submit before the Supreme Court", he said.
In his address to the Nation Saturday over Ayodhya Verdict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Supreme Court listened to all the sides during the hearing of this case with utmost patience and it is a matter of happiness for the entire country that the decision came with the consent of all. "After the verdict, the way every section of society, of every religion, has welcomed it is proof of India's ancient culture and tradition of social harmony."
Calling it a historic decision he said, "world has seen how strong our democracy is. Today's events will be recorded in history. Acceptance of the Ayodhya verdict reflects our tolerant nature."
While RSS head Mohan Bhagwat welcomed the Ayodhya verdict, Asaduddin Owaisi called it 'victory of belief over facts'. Here are the first reactions of Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Rajnath Singh, Uma Bharti, and UP Sunni Central Waqf Board.
Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Saturday welcomed the Supreme Court verdict in the politically sensitive Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case, saying it has brought "joy and relief" to members of Hindu and Muslim communities.
Ravi Shankar was part of the mediation panel earlier appointed by the apex court for amicable resolution of the dispute.
"I wholeheartedly welcome the historic judgment of the Hon. Supreme Court. This has brought joy and relief to people of both communities from a long-standing dispute. #AYODHYAVERDICT," he tweeted.
BJP working president Jagat Prakash Nadda on Saturday said his party has always been committed to the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya and it played a "sincere and positive" role on the issue. Welcoming the unanimous decision of the five-judge apex court bench, Nadda said the judgment was an example of inclusive views representing all sections of the society.
"The Bharatiya Janata Party welcomes and salutes the people of the country who have united and kept the social, cultural and spiritual fabric of the country intact. This decision has given a clear message that we are united and the roots of democracy in India are very strong," Nadda said in a statement.
After AIMIM chief Assaduddin Owaisi expressed dissatisfaction over the Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya, Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Saturday hit out at AIMIM chief Assaduddin Owaisi for his critical remarks on the Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict, saying some people have a "Talibani mindset" and "no trust" in the judiciary of the country.
Slamming Owaisi, Naqvi said that some people are suffering "from the disease of Talibani mindset".
"These people have no trust on the Constitution or judiciary of the country," the senior BJP leader said.
Accepting the Supreme Court verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case, the Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid in Delhi, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, said on Saturday the matter should not be stretched further. He said Muslims in the country want peace and they had already said that they would accept whatever judgment the apex court delivers.
"We accept the court order and the Hindu-Muslim issue which had been going on for several years should come to an end now," Bukhari said in a press conference.
Samastha Kerala Jamayithul Ulema party in Kerala said the verdict is disappointing, but they accept it. "The Samastha respects the Indian judiciary and the Indian constitution. There should not be any kind of riots or communal disturbances. We appeal to everyone to not to break the existing communal harmony and friendship," it added.
Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musaliyar, Grand Mufti of India: "We respect the Supreme Court. Those who have won today must not celebrate. Those who have been defeated must not create problems. We have said this already. To talk more about the issues, we must get a copy of the judgment. We have to study it. Everyone must strive for peace in India. The victory or defeat over the Babri Masjid incident may be significant to every party, but protection of India and its sovereignty is much more important."
Welcoming the verdict Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray said, "today's day will be written in golden letters in the history of India. Everyone has accepted the verdict. I will be going to Ayodhya on 24 November."
Ram Lalla Deity Lawyer CS Vaidyanathan said, " It is a great day for India. SC has a pronounced verdict which has balanced the interest of all parties&also tried to ensure that unity and integrity of the nation is preserved and brotherhood is maintained. It is the victory of rule of law."
Terming the Supreme Court judgment “historic”, Murli Manohar Joshi said the trust that would be responsible for the construction of the Ram temple would have to be considerate about keeping people united. Read more
Reacting to the Ayodhya verdict, Shia Cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad said even though the Muslim Personal law board has the right to file a review petition, Muslims by and large have accepted this verdict. " We humbly accept SC verdict, I think the matter should just end now," he added.
Sunni Central Waqf Board Chairman Zafar Ahmad Farooqui also said that welcomed the Supreme Court verdict and said it has no plans to challenge it.
"We welcome the Supreme Court verdict in the case. The Board has no plans to challenge it," Farooqui said.
BSP president Mayawati on Saturday appealed to everyone to maintain an amicable atmosphere after the Supreme Court announced its verdict in the Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case.
"While respecting the historic, unanimous decision given by the Supreme Court in relation to the Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute today as per the secular Constitution of Param Pujya Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, all future action should only be taken in an amicable atmosphere. This is an appeal and suggestion," the Bahujan Samaj Party chief said in a tweet in Hindi.
Welcoming the Ayodhya verdict VHP working president Alok Verma said that the government should take speedy steps on the directions issued by the Supreme court. " SC verdict a decisive step towards the construction of grand Ram temple in Ayodhya.60 per cent of pillars and beams for Ram temple are ready," he added.
Newly appointed governor of Kerala Arif Mohammad Khan said anything done under constitutional provisions, we have a duty to respectfully accept it. " As citizens of India, we have a duty to abide by the constitution and respect its ideals and institutions. Personally, I'm oath-bound to preserve, protect and defend the constitution of India," he added.
The Supreme Court has pronounced its verdict on the Ayodhya issue. Honoring this decision of the court, we all have to maintain mutual harmony. This is a time of brotherhood, trust, and love among all of us Indians said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Rajdip Roy, BJP MP, Silchar, said, "As an MP and as a spokesperson of Assam BJP, I would like to say we are happy with the verdict and we accept the verdict given by the Honourable Supreme Court. The SC has gone into years and years of examination and deliberation taking into consideration each and every standpoint in this matter. My hope is that this decision will be accepted by all parties, all major religions. This verdict was given keeping in mind the long-standing belief that Lord Ram was born at the disputed site. I pray to my friends in the other community that we all come together to make the Ram Mandir — a sign of integrity, diversity and the strength of India’s shared cultural heritage."
Champak Kalita, AIUDF General Secretary, said, "Three days ago MP Badaruddin Ajmal had said that we will accept the verdict whatever it may be. So today, we are doing just that — accepting the verdict. In my opinion, it is a very balanced verdict. One of the biggest hurdles has been overcome today…and finally both a temple and a mosque will be built in India."
Sri Sri Ravishankar: This is a historic judgement, I welcome it. This case was going on for a long time and finally, it has reached a conclusion. Peace and harmony should be maintained in society.
Home Minister Amit Shah speaks to all Chief Ministers of the country to review the security of states and asks them to take all required measures to maintain law and order.
K K Muhammed, former regional director (North), Archaeological Survey of India (ASI): "On the basis of archaeological & historical evidences that were supplied by ASI, the court came to conclusion that there was a huge magnificent temple earlier & we should build a new temple once more. I feel vindicated (he had said Ram temple existed before Babri mosque in Ayodhya), I was hounded by a group of people. It is exactly the kind of decision that we all wanted."
Patanjali head Baba Ramdev said, " This is a historic verdict. A grand Ram temple will be built. The decision to allot alternate land to Muslim side is welcome, I believe Hindu brothers should help in the construction of the Masjid as well."
Syed Zainul Abedin, Ajmer Sharif dargah dewan on Ayodhya verdict: This is nobody's victory or defeat. We should accept the verdict of the Supreme Court. Whatever has happened, is in the interest of the nation and we should put an end to the dispute right here.
If Mahatma Gandhi assassination case was retried by the supreme court today, the verdict would have been Nathuram Godse being a "murderer but also patriot." This is how Mahatma Gandhi's great-grandson Tushar Gandhi reacted to the Supreme Court verdict on the Ayodhya title suit which cleared the way for the construction of a Ram Temple at the disputed site at Ayodhya. "If the Gandhi Murder case was retried by the Supreme Court today, the verdict would have been Nathuram Godse is a Murderer but he is also a Desh Bhakt," Gandhi said in a tweet issued from his official twitter account @TusharG.
With the Ayodhya verdict coming on the same day as the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has objected to the timing of the judgment. He said he was "deeply saddened" at the "insensitivity" shown at such a joyous occasion, reported PTI.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi says he is not satisfied with the judgement. "Not satisfied with the verdict. Supreme Court is indeed supreme but not infallible. We have full faith in the constitution, we were fighting for our right, we don't need 5-acre land as a donation. We should reject this 5-acre land offer, don't patronize us."
Following the Supreme Court’s verdict on Ayodhya dispute Saturday, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that he has given instructions to deal with anti-social elements “with a heavy hand.”
“The day finally arrived after a long wait and a decision was taken on Ayodhya. It was an apex court decision and came after a long process. The Congress [Working] Committee’s reaction is that the judiciary’s decision should be honoured by all and that peace and harmony should be maintained. This is what a citizen expects and the Congress has reacted accordingly,” the CM said.
MN Karassery, Malayalam writer and critic: I welcome this verdict of the Supreme Court. Not because I believe the Babri Masjid demolition was right. That's over. The past is past. This judgment has the same spirit of the Allahabad HC verdict, of maintaining an amicable settlement. I had welcomed the verdict then. There should not be riots in this country. What amuses me in this verdict is that historians and archaeologists have not been able to find that the mosque was built by demolishing a temple. It simply says the mosque was built over a structure. Jawaharlal Nehru had rightly said in 1949 that the site of the Babri Masjid did not belong to either Hindus or Muslims, in fact it was a protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India. He had a clear vision. There's no use inflicting wounds on the same issue. The 136 crore Indians in this country do not benefit from this. Neither Hindus nor Muslims. Building a temple there or reconstructing a mosque will not solve the hunger, unemployment or the illiteracy of the poor people in this country. It is not a solution to any pressing problem right now. It is only a way to divert attention from real issues. It is only a prey for politicians, religious leaders and the media.
The MNS chief also said he wished Shiv Sena supremo and his uncle Balasaheb Thackeray was alive on this day. "Balasaheb should have been there today. He would have been very happy with the decision. Now, i hope that the Ram temple is constructed at the earliest," he said.
MNS chief Raj Thackeray welcomed the Supreme Court decision on Ram Janbhoomi-Babri masjid issue in Ayodhya while hoping for construction of Ram temple on the land at the earliest.
"We need to thank the supreme court for giving justice to the issue. I welcome the court decision. Justice has been delivered to the long struggle for the Ram temple and many karsevaks who laid their lives in the struggle," Thackeray told reporters in the city.
ET Muhammad Basheer, Lok Sabha MP from Ponnani and member of IUML - I'm not satisfied with the verdict. I don't agree with the view that the judgment is balanced. But the Supreme Court judgment is the law of the land. What strategy needs to be taken post this verdict can be discussed later. The future course of action can be decided later. We can arrive at a conclusion after discussing with like-minded parties.
PK Kunhalikutty, Lok Sabha MP from Malappuram and member of IUML, says, "We respect the SC ruling. The IUML will meet Monday morning where the Ayodhya verdict will be discussed. By evening today, the full judgment of the Supreme Court will arrive."
Kerala Panakkad Sayed Hyderali Shihab Thangal, state president of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) - We respect the verdict of the Supreme Court. People must not engage in violence. They must exercise self-restraint.
Pinarayi Vijayan further said, "This dispute must not lead to breakdown of peaceful lives of people. When Babri Masjid was demolished, Kerala had reacted with peace and wisdom. That's why the state did not report any major untoward incidents. In the same way, we must continue with greater responsibility. All reactions to the SC verdict must strengthen the state's unity and secular values. Since the verdict is final, we are bound to follow it. In the verdict's background, the state has made all arrangements to maintain peace. We will not allow provocative statements. The police across the state are keeping vigil. I request everyone who believes in democratic values to help in maintaining peace and calm."
reacting to the Ayodhya verdict, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, "The country had become the site of major riots after the demolition of the Babri Masjid. This verdict has led to a conclusion to the legal disagreements over the land dispute. There may be a section of people who think the judgment was against their arguments and demands. At the same time, there is also a section who think the judgment has validated them. Both of these sections of people must react to the verdict with self-restraint and with an aim to maintain peace."
RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat held a press conference in which he said, "We welcome SC verdict on Ayodhya issue, it should not be seen as anybody's victory or loss. We should forget disputes of past and work together to build Ram temple."
The Prime Minister also hailed the calm and peace maintained by people across the country ahead of the verdict. "The calm and peace maintained by 130 crore Indians in the run-up to today’s verdict manifests India’s inherent commitment to peaceful coexistence. May this very spirit of unity and togetherness power the development trajectory of our nation. May every Indian be empowered."
PM Modi also said that the verdict will increase people's faith in the judicial process. "The halls of justice have amicably concluded a matter going on for decades. Every side, every point of view was given adequate time and opportunity to express differing points of view. This verdict will further increase people’s faith in judicial processes."
PM Modi also tweeted: "SC’s Ayodhya Judgment is notable because:
It highlights that any dispute can be amicably solved in the spirit of due process of law.
It reaffirms the independence, transparency and farsightedness of our judiciary.
It clearly illustrates everybody is equal before the law."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to say that the Ayodhya verdict should not be seen as a win or loss for anybody. "The Honourable 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!"
Amit Shah further said, "I express my gratitude to all the organizations, Sant Samaj of the entire country and countless unknown people who have worked for it for so many years. I am confident that this landmark judgment given by the Supreme Court will prove to be a milestone in itself. This decision will further strengthen India's unity, integrity and great culture."
Welcoming the Ayodhya verdict, BJP national president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted: "I welcome the unanimous decision by the Supreme Court on Shri Ram Janmabhoomi. 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', with full of peace and harmony. This legal dispute of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, which has been going on for decades, has finally been concluded with this decision today. I congratulate the justice system of India and all the justices."
The NCP on Saturday hoped no new dispute crops up in the country in the name of religion following the supreme court verdict on Saturday that cleared the way for the construction of a Ram Temple at the disputed site at Ayodhya. NCP chief spokesperson Nawab Malik said it had been the position of the party to accept the SC verdict. "It has been our position right from the beginning that we will accept the supreme court verdict and all should accept it. Hope no new dispute crops up in the country in the name of religion," Malik tweeted. Malik also urged people to maintain peace and harmony.
Randeep Surjewala, Congress on being asked by media if Temple should be constructed on Ayodhya site: Supreme Court ka nirnay aa chuka hai, svabhavik taur pe aapke sawal ka jawab haan mein hai, Bhartiye Rashtriye Congress Bhagwan Shri Ram ke Mandir ke nirman ki pakshdhar hai. (The SC judgment has come. It's obvious that the answer to your question is yes. Congress is in favour of the construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya).
Zafaryab Jilani, All India Muslim Personal Law Board, also says, "We will file a review petition if our committee agrees on it. It is our right and it is in Supreme Court's rules as well."
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also welcomed the judgment saying, "It is a historic and landmark judgement."
Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said that the Congress was always in favour of the construction of Ram temple. "Congress has always been in favour of the construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The Supreme Court verdict has come...Congress is in favour of the construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya," Surjewala said.
Congress also said, "It is the responsibility of each one of us to reaffirm our tradition of mutual respect and unity among all that has defined our society through the ages."
The Congress has also welcomed the Supreme Court verdict on Ayodhya. "Congress respects the SC verdict in the Ayodhya case. We appeal to all parties concerned and to all communities to abide by the secular values and spirit of fraternity enshrined in our Constitution and to maintain peace and harmony, says the Congress Working Committee."
Nirmohi Akhara also welcomed the judgment. Kartik Chopra, spokesperson, Nirmohi Akhara, said, "Nirmohi Akhara is grateful that SC has recognised our fight of last 150 years and has given the Nirmohi Akhara adequate representation in the trust to be set up by the Central Government to build and manage the Shri Ram Janmasthan Temple."
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said, "Supreme Court's judgment should be welcomed by everyone, it will be beneficial for the social harmony. There should be no further dispute on this issue, that is my appeal to the people."
Iqbal Ansari, one of the litigants in Ayodhya case, says, " I am happy that the Supreme Court has finally delivered a verdict, I respect the judgement of the court."
Iqbal Ansari, one of the litigants in Ayodhya case, says, " I am happy that the Supreme Court has finally delivered a verdict, I respect the judgement of the court."
The Sunni Waqf Board lawyer also said, "All evidence they have used is pointing to the existence of the masjid. The SC has agreed that namaz was performed till December. If the namaz was on still on, then giving the land to the other side is unjust."