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Section 144 imposed in Ayodhya

Section 144 imposed in Ayodhya as dispute case enters final stage in Supreme Court
Section 144 imposed in Ayodhya as dispute case enters final stage in Supreme Court

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 have been imposed in Ayodhya as the hearing in the Ram Janmbhoomi – Babri Masjid land dispute enters its final leg today.

Ahead of the verdict in the politically contentious Ayodhya land dispute case, authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 till December 10. Further, the order bans the assembly of four or more person. Additionally, the order also bans the use of drones for filming or shooting.

Significantly, the order is “in anticipation of a verdict in Ayodhya land case” and “considering safety and security of Ayodhya”.

The Supreme Court will likely give a verdict before November 17, the day Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi demits office.

“Section 144 imposed in the district till December 10 in anticipation of verdict in Ayodhya land case,” District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Jha said. “Decision to impose Section 144 also taken in consideration of upcoming festivals,” he further added.

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by the Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi began day-to-day proceedings on August 6. Earlier this month, the court indicated that it is looking forward to wrap the proceedings in the case by October 17.

Previously, the apex court witnessed fourteen appeals against the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict. To enumerate, the High Court ruled the partition of 2.77-acre land in Ayodhya equally among the three parties — the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

Notably, the demolition of Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992, had sparked communal riots in the country. The Babri Masjid was constructed at a disputed site in the 16th century by Shia Muslim Mir Baqi.