Politics
Was It Or Was It Not A Criminal Conspiracy? A Brief Timeline Of The Babri Case
Swarajya Staff
Apr 19, 2017, 07:37 PM | Updated 07:37 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Two and a half decades after the demolition of the disputed structure on the Ramjanmabhoomi land in Ayodhya, the Supreme Court restored the conspiracy charges against senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti.
Justice PC Ghose and RF Nariman pronounced the judgement ordering a time-bound trial that will see the all the accused face trial in four weeks. Kalyan Singh, who is also an accused in the case will be tried only after he ceases to hold office as he enjoys constitutional immunity being the Governor of Rajasthan. The apex court ruling out a fresh trial transferred the case from Rae Bareily to Lucknow and instructed the sessions judge in Lucknow to conduct trial sessions every day and ensure the trial is completed in two years.
The story so far:
6 December 1992 - The disputed structure on Ramjanmabhooomi at Ayodhya was razed by hundreds of ‘karsevaks’. This act was followed by widespread communal riots between Hindus and Muslims in various parts of the country. In October 1993, the Central Bureau of Investigation filed a composite charge sheet against LK Advani and others accusing them of conspiracy.
Three months later in December, two FIRs were filed; one accusing unnamed ‘karsevaks’ of bringing down the said structure, and the second against the said senior leaders of BJP among others for inciting the mob by making “communal” speeches before the razing took place.
Eight years after the FIR was filed, in May 2001, a special CBI court dropped proceedings against the accused. In May 2010, LK Advani and others were absolved of all conspiracy charges.
Then in September 2010, two-thirds of the disputed site was awarded to Hindu parties and one-third to the Waqf board by the Allahabad High Court.
The CBI moved the Supreme Court in February 2011, which stayed the Allahabad HC verdict. Today (19 April) the Supreme Court revived the conspiracy charges against the BJP stalwarts, while also clubbing it with the trial against unnamed 'karsevaks' in the same matter which was taking place in a Lucknow court.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Introducing ElectionsHQ + 50 Ground Reports Project
The 2024 elections might seem easy to guess, but there are some important questions that shouldn't be missed.
Do freebies still sway voters? Do people prioritise infrastructure when voting? How will Punjab vote?
The answers to these questions provide great insights into where we, as a country, are headed in the years to come.
Swarajya is starting a project with an aim to do 50 solid ground stories and a smart commentary service on WhatsApp, a one-of-a-kind. We'd love your support during this election season.
Click below to contribute.