Won't let India remain in peace: SC slams Ayodhya petitioner
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition which sought permission to offer 'puja' at the undisputed land in Ayodhya and came down heavily on the petitioner. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi reprimanded the petitioner, saying he would not allow "India to remain in peace". "Someone always has to poke," fumed the bench. Here's what happened.
Backstory: The petitioner went to Allahabad High Court earlier
The petitioner, Amarnath Misra, who is the former General Secretary of Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir Nirman Vyas, had earlier approached the Allahabad High Court with his demand. He wanted permission to pray at nine temples of the undisputed property. He told the lower court that for the last 25 years, authorities turned a "blind eye" to religious activities in these ancient temples.
SC asked Misra to stop poking the issue
Subsequently, on January 10, the Lucknow bench gave its verdict. Not only did the court dismiss Misra's plea, but it also imposed a fine of Rs. 5 lakh on him. Misra then knocked on SC's doors, only to get a similar response. The bench directed him to not "poke" the issue and refused to withdraw the fine imposed on him.
Allahabad HC passed a similar order in 2018
This is not the first time a plea like this has been rejected. In December last year, the Al-Rahman Trust went to Allahabad High Court seeking permission to offer namaz at the disputed site. The plea was termed as "cheap publicity" by Lucknow bench of Justices DK Arora and Alok Mathur. Refusing to entertain it, the bench levied fine of Rs. 5 lakh.
A little about the sensitive Ayodhya case
The sensitive case involves 2.77 acres land where Babri Masjid stood before 1992. Hindu activists who demolished the 16th-century mosque believe it was built on a temple where Lord Rama took human form. In 2010, Allahabad High Court divided the land equally among three parties: Ram Lalla, Nirmohi Akhada, and Sunni Waqf Board. Unhappy with the verdict, litigants approached the apex court.
After years of delay, Ayodhya case was referred to mediation
In March this year, an SC bench referred Ayodhya case to mediation. Justice SA Bobde, who was part of the CJI-led bench, said healing should be given a chance and noted the past couldn't be undone. The bench formed a panel headed by former SC judge FM Kalifullah. The panel also includes Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and senior advocate Sriram Panchu.
