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Ayodhya verdict: PM Modi appeals for peace, Sunni Waqf Board says not satisfied

Reactions poured in from across the country following the Ayodhya verdict, with several leaders urging people to maintain peace and harmony.

Written by : Theja Ram

The Supreme Court on Saturday delivered a landmark judgement in the Ayodhya land disputes case. The five-judge Constitution bench led by the Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi ruled that the disputed land would be given to the Hindu parties. The apex court directed the Centre, which is in possession of the disputed land to formulate a scheme for a Board of Trustees for the construction of the temple.The SC also granted 5 acres of land to the Sunni Waqf Board.

Reactions poured in soon after Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, pronounced the judgment. Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court, Zafaryab Jilani, lawyer for the Sunni Waqf Board, one of the main litigants in the case, said, “We respect the judgement but we are not satisfied, we will decide further course of action. There should be no demonstration of any kind anywhere on it.”

Varun Kumar Sinha, lawyer of Hindu Mahasabha, one of the parties in the case, called it a historic judgement. “With this judgement, the Supreme Court has given the message of unity in diversity,” he said.

Kartik Chopra, the spokesperson of Nirmohi Akhara, another litigant said that the ascetic body is grateful that the Supreme Court has recognised its fight and granted it adequate representation. “SC 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,” Kartik Chopra said.

Sri Sri Ravishankar, one of the mediators appointed by the Supreme Court in the case, said, “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.” 

PM Modi appeals for peace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the apex court’s verdict must not be considered a victory or a defeat for anyone. “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!” PM Modi said.

He asserted that the judgement reaffirms the independence, transparency and farsightedness of the Indian judiciary and illustrated that everyone is equal before the law. 

“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,” he added.

He appealed for peace and harmony, while and said, “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.”

‘Will strengthen India’s unity’: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister and BJP Chief Amit Shah reacted to the judgment stating, “I welcome the unanimous decisions taken by the apex court in the Shri ram janmabhoomi issue. I appeal to people of all communities and religions to accept this decision, and with peace and friendship, work towards 'one India-great India'.” 

In a series of tweets, he said, “I am certain that apex court's historic decision will prove to be a milestone. This decision will strengthen India's unity, sovereignty and great heritage. The decades-long ram janmabhoomi legal dispute has today reached its culmination. I appreciate all the judges in the judicial system.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that the judgment would strengthen the “social fabric” of India. “The judgment of Hon'ble Supreme Court on Ayodhya is historic. The judgement will further strengthen India’s social fabric. I urge everyone to take the verdict with equanimity and magnanimity. I also appeal to the people to maintain peace and harmony after this landmark verdict,” he said.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said that the party is in favour of Supreme Court's verdict, “We are in favour of the construction of Ram Temple. This judgement not only opened the doors for the temple's construction but also closed the doors for BJP and others to politicise the issue,” he said.

‘Neither a victory nor a defeat for anyone’: Yediyurappa

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa of the BJP in a tweet, called for peace and harmony, while welcoming the apex court’s judgement. “Let us all wholeheartedly welcome the apex court verdict. This is neither a victory for anyone, nor a defeat for anyone. Don’t react emotionally. Let the harmony and peace prevail,” Yediyurappa said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy of the YSRCP too appealed to all communities to maintain peace and avoid making provocative statements. “The Supreme Court of India has ruled in this regard after both parties agreed to abide by the verdict in the Ayodhya case. Under such circumstances, I appeal to all communities not to make any provocative comments that would disrupt communal harmony,” he said.

‘Judgment not based on law and evidence’: Thirumavalavan

VCK chief and Lok Sabha MP Thol Thirumavalavan reacted to the Ayodhya verdict on Saturday saying, "The verdict delivered by the Supreme Court on the Babri Masjid case is not one delivered based on law and evidence. It is one based on attempt to compromise, with considerations of law and order, and communal harmony."

He further stated that the verdict to give alternate land to the Muslim parties was not one based on upholding the law. “Rather it appears to be an attempt at compromise. Just as the central government should constitute a trust for the construction of a Ram temple, why should there not be a Trust also for the construction of the Babri Masjid?,” he added

He also asked, "When the Muslim parties did not submit sufficient evidence, the question arises, what evidence did the Hindu organisations submit? It appears to be a sign of political interference that the entire site has been given to the Hindus based only on the proof of their belief, based on shastras." 

Reacting to the developments, DMK chief and Tamil Nadu's Leader of the Opposition MK Stalin said in a statement, "The Supreme Court has found a solution for a dispute that has been ongoing for a long time. After the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court itself has delivered a verdict, all sides should accept it with equality, without subjecting it to likes and dislikes; religious harmony should be preserved. I firmly believe that [all sides] will take this forward with a feeling of caution, without damage to the diversity of the country."

Addressing reporters outside his Poes Garden residence, actor-cum-politician Rajinikanth said, "I respect this verdict of the Supreme Court. I ask that everyone should respect it. I ask that people of all faiths must unitedly strive for the welfare and growth of India without religious differences. Thank you. Vanakkam. Jai Hind."

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) stated that it respects the court order and that it would react after reading the judgment. “We will respect the court order. So that is what we are saying. We will react after getting the full copy of judgment. Day after tomorrow there will be a meeting to discuss things’” National General Secretary of Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) PK Kunhalikutty said.

AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi tweeted a book cover, whose title reads, "Supreme but not Infallible. Essays in honour of the Supreme Court of India."

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