On Wednesday 30.09.2020, a special CBI court situated in Lucknow will pronounce its verdict in the 1992 Babri Masjid Demolition case. Deadly riots were reported after the demolition of the Babri Masjid across the country back in 1992. Approximately 2000 people lost their lives, and many hundreds were injured.
Considering the sensitivity of the issue and security, the Central Bar Association of Lucknow has advised Lawyers to not to visit the Court on 30th September, unless there is extreme urgency.
Let’s take a quick look at the whole timeline of the case:-
- After the demolition, two FIRs were lodged in Ayodhya. The first FIR was lodged against various unnamed Karsevaks (religious volunteers).
- In the second FIR, senior BJP leaders like Uma Bharti, Manohar Joshi and LK Advani were named. It was also alleged that Mr LK Advani was the person who had orchestrated the demolition.
- As the case progressed, 45 more FIRs were lodged.
- On 8th July 1993, a special CBI court was set up at Rae Bareli to hear the case.
- The charges were framed in the case on 28th July 2005.
- Statements from 57 witnesses were recorded.
- The Supreme Court on 30th May 2017 transferred the case to the Lucknow court as charges against 28 more people.
New turns in the Babri Masjid demolition case.
When the charges of criminal conspiracy were dropped against high profile accused, which include Mr LK Advani, the Supreme Court overturned the ruling in April 2017.
The Supreme Court termed the decision of the Allahabad HC ‘erroneous’ when the charges were dropped against the accused.
Courts were hearing two cases in Raebareli and Lucknow before the 2017 verdict came out.
The Supreme Court transferred the case from Raebareli to Lucknow in April 2017.
Situation in Lucknow
The Central Bar Association Lucknow has requested its member lawyers not to visit old High Court building premises unless it’s very urgent given the tightened Security measures.
Earlier, the Special Judge moved an application before the court seeking an extension for the conclusion of Trial, which was allowed by the Supreme Court and time was granted to pronounce Judgment by 30th September.
The verdict will be pronounced by the Hon’ble Justice Surendra Yadav, Special Judge CBI Court.
