Ayodhya Verdict (2019) – A Landmark Judgment in Indian History

The Ayodhya Verdict (2019), delivered by the Supreme Court of India on November 9, 2019, settled the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute, one of India’s most contentious religious and political issues. The verdict unanimously granted the disputed land to a trust for the construction of a Ram temple, while a separate 5-acre land was allocated to the Sunni Waqf Board for the construction of a mosque.

🔹 Historical Background

The Babri Masjid was built in 1528 by Mughal emperor Babur’s general, Mir Baqi, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
Hindus believe the site is the birthplace of Lord Ram and claim a temple stood there before the mosque.
The dispute gained prominence in the 19th century, with legal battles starting in 1885 when Mahant Raghubar Das filed a case to build a temple inside the mosque premises.
On December 6, 1992, Hindu activists demolished the Babri Masjid, leading to nationwide riots.

🔹 Key Legal Issues

Who had the legal ownership of the disputed 2.77 acres of land?
Whether the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992 was unlawful?
Whether Hindu deities had a legal standing as a party to the case?
Whether Muslims were in exclusive possession of the land before 1949?

🔹 Supreme Court's Verdict (November 9, 2019)

The 5-judge bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi unanimously ruled that:
✔ The disputed land (2.77 acres) belongs to Ram Lalla Virajman (the deity representing Lord Ram).
✔ The Central Government must form a trust within 3 months to oversee temple construction.
✔ Muslims will be allotted 5 acres of land at an alternate location in Ayodhya to build a mosque.
✔ The demolition of Babri Masjid (1992) was illegal, but it did not affect the ownership dispute.
✔ Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) findings supported the existence of a non-Islamic structure beneath the mosque, but there was no conclusive proof of temple destruction by the Mughals.

🔹 Impact of the Judgment

✔ Brought legal closure to a centuries-old religious dispute.
✔ Paved the way for Ram Temple construction, fulfilling a long-standing demand of Hindu groups.
✔ Ensured a fair settlement by granting land for a mosque to the Muslim community.
✔ Reinforced secularism and legal justice by recognizing historical claims without religious bias.
✔ Set a precedent for resolving religious disputes through constitutional means rather than violence.

🔹 Implementation of the Verdict

In February 2020, the government formed the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to oversee temple construction.
On August 5, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed the Bhoomi Pujan (foundation stone-laying ceremony) for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The grand Ram Temple was inaugurated on January 22, 2024.

🔹 Conclusion

The Ayodhya Verdict (2019) is a milestone in Indian judicial history, showcasing the Supreme Court's balanced approach in resolving religious disputes. It upheld the rule of law, respected religious sentiments, and ensured justice for both communities.