Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Legal Timeline and Present Status
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- 19 May 2025 --
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The Ayodhya Ram Mandir issue is one of the most significant religious and legal controversies in India’s modern history. It involves a long-standing dispute over the land in Ayodhya, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, where the Babri Masjid once stood. The matter culminated in a historic verdict by the Supreme Court in 2019 and has since seen the construction of the Ram Temple.
Historical Background
The conflict dates back centuries but gained momentum during British rule. The core of the dispute involves claims by Hindus that the Babri Masjid, built in 1528 by Mughal general Mir Baqi, was constructed on the birthplace of Lord Ram after demolishing a pre-existing temple.
Legal Timeline of the Ayodhya Dispute
1859
The British erected a fence to separate the places of worship, allowing Hindus to worship outside the mosque and Muslims inside.
1949
Idols of Lord Ram were placed inside the central dome of the Babri Masjid. This led to communal tensions. The government locked the site and declared it disputed.
1950–1961
- Multiple civil suits were filed seeking rights to worship and ownership of the land.
- Sunni Waqf Board also filed a suit claiming the land belonged to the mosque.
1986
- A Faizabad district court ordered the unlocking of the gates to allow Hindu worshippers entry.
- This move led to the formation of the Babri Masjid Action Committee.
1992
- On December 6, the Babri Masjid was demolished by kar sevaks during a political rally.
- This triggered nationwide riots and several criminal cases and legal challenges.
2002–2010
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavated the site and claimed to have found remains of a temple structure beneath the mosque.
- In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled a three-way division of the land among:
- Ram Lalla Virajman (infant deity),
- Sunni Waqf Board,
- Nirmohi Akhara.
2011
- The Supreme Court stayed the High Court's judgment, calling for a single verdict.
2019
- A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court delivered a unanimous verdict on November 9.
Key Points of the Judgment:- The entire 2.77 acres of disputed land was given to Ram Lalla Virajman.
- The court directed the government to allot 5 acres of alternative land to the Sunni Waqf Board in Ayodhya for the construction of a mosque.
- The verdict cited evidence-based ownership, not faith alone, while acknowledging the illegal demolition in 1992.
- The entire 2.77 acres of disputed land was given to Ram Lalla Virajman.
Legal and Constitutional References
- Article 142 – Used by the Supreme Court to do complete justice by ordering alternative land to the Muslim community.
- Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 – Declares that the religious character of places of worship shall remain as it existed on August 15, 1947. However, the Act excludes the Ayodhya dispute.
Current Status of Ram Mandir
Construction Progress
- The Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, established by the Government of India, is overseeing the construction.
- The foundation stone was laid on August 5, 2020, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The first phase of the temple, including the sanctum sanctorum housing the idol of Ram Lalla, was inaugurated on January 22, 2024.
- The temple follows traditional Nagara architecture and is being built using sandstone without the use of steel or concrete.
Pilgrimage and Tourism
- Ayodhya is now witnessing a surge in religious tourism and infrastructural development.
- Plans include an international airport, improved road connectivity, and expanded facilities for pilgrims.
Implications of the Verdict and Construction
- The decision has resolved a centuries-old legal conflict but also highlighted the sensitive intersection of law, faith, and politics in India.
- The construction of the temple represents a symbol of faith for millions but continues to evoke varied responses in secular and legal discourse.
Conclusion
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir issue, though religious in essence, was one of the longest-running legal battles in India. The 2019 Supreme Court judgment aimed to bring finality with a balanced verdict, acknowledging the rights and sentiments of both communities. Today, as the Ram Temple stands on the once-disputed land, it signifies the culmination of legal resolution, spiritual hope, and national reflection.
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