Ayodhya Verdict: Section 144 Imposed Near Supreme Court, CRPF Men, Water Cannon Deployed

Ahead of the crucial Ayodhya verdict, prohibitory orders were imposed near the Supreme Court on Saturday. With the Section 144 coming in force, stringent security cordon was seen around the apex court complex in the heart of national capital. The top police personnel held a crucial meeting to oversee the security arrangement in Delhi in morning. Explaining the measures taken by the police, Joint Commissioner ID Shukla said that, “Delhi Police has taken appropriate security measures with the help of paramilitary, ahead of the Ayodhya Verdict. There is no question of any mishappening, be it the security of Supreme Court, High Court or the security of a VIP-VVIP, it cannot be breached.” (LIVE UPDATES HERE)

The Supreme Court is likely to pronounce the judgment at 10:30 am. A strong posse of security personnel have been deployed around the court complex and vehicles and pedestrians are being subjected to full checks. Security outside the residences of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and justices S A  Bobde, D Y Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer, who are part of the five-judge Constitution Bench, which will deliver the judgment, has also been increased up by the Delhi Police. 

Meanwhile, CJI Gogoi's security has been upgraded to Z-plus level. According to latest reports, security cover of the other members of the Constitution Bench - Justices SA Bobde, DY Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and SA Nazeer - has also been upgraded as well.

On Friday, the CJI held a special meeting with top Uttar Pradesh officials in his chamber. The meeting was 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.