Ayodhya Verdict Countdown Begins, CJI Ranjan Gogoi Meets Top UP Officials

The countdown has begun for Ayodhya verdict, the most-awaited judgment that will have a far-reaching impact on Indian society and polity. With Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi retiring on November 17, the tentative timeframe for the Ayodhya verdict is within the next week. Ahead of the verdict, the CJI holding a special meeting with top Uttar Pradesh officials in his chamber shortly. The meeting is being attended by Uttar Pradesh chief secretary and director general of police. The CJI had called UP Chief Secretary Rajendra Kumar Tiwari and DGP Om Prakash Singh and will have the meeting in his chamber.

Earlier, Ayodhya District Magistrate issued a stringent order that restricts use of the social media in the region ahead of the Supreme Court’s crucial verdict. The social media advisory bans any kind of instigating remarks on any religious deity of any community. The four-page order will be in force till December 28. Section 144 of the CrPC is already in place in Ayodhya. There’s a blanket ban on any event, rally or cultural programme in Ayodhya. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh DGP OP Singh said that if needed, the National Security Act will be imposed in the state. "We are absolutely ready. Under no circumstances, anybody will be allowed to take law in hand. Our Intelligence machinery is geared up. If needed, the National Security Act will be imposed on elements who attempt to disrupt law and order," Singh was quoted as saying.

Last week, Section 144 was imposed in Ghaziabad from Friday. Ghaziabad District Magistrate Ajay Shankar Pandey met Hindu and Muslim religious leaders on Friday. He appealed for communal harmony and said tab irrespective of the judgment citizens of Ghaziabad should abide by law and not pay heed to any kind of sensational rumours. A decision in the longstanding dispute is expected this month after the Supreme Court concluded the hearing of arguments in the Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid case in Ayodhya last month. Extra security measures were already in place in Ayodhya in the wake of the expected verdict.

Previously, the Uttar Pradesh government had cancelled the leave of all police and administrative officers on the field until November 30 and issued directions to district police chiefs to ensure communal harmony. It is being said that security has been strengthened also in view of the Supreme Court's upcoming verdict on Ayodhya land title dispute. The Supreme Court concluded a 40-day hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit on October 16 and reserved its verdict on the disputed 2.77 acres of land in Ayodhya.