Verdict does not justify Babri demolition: Centre

Verdict does not justify Babri demolition: Centre
PTI
NEW DELHI, OCT 1
Home Minister P Chidambaram today said the verdict of the Allahabad High Court does not in any way justify the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 and it remained an “unacceptable” and “criminal” act.
Addressing a press conference, he said the judgement has nothing to do with the act that took place on December 6, 1992.
“That act, as pointed out by the M S Liberhan Commission, was completely unacceptable and it was an act done by people who took law and order into their hands.
“That remains, in my view, a criminal act. Also, please don’t attribute to the judges (of the Lucknow Bench) any attempt to justify what was done in 1992,” he said.
He was replying to a question whether the judgement dilutes the cases relating to the demolition of Babri Masjid.
Expressing satisfaction over the “respectful and dignified” response of people to the Ayodhya verdict, today said the Centre has no role in the issue except to maintain status quo and ensure law and order across the country.
He said it was a fair assumption that the verdict of the Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court on the dispute will go to Supreme Court, which may pass an interim order and take it up for hearing.
“There is no role for the Centre now. The judges have given a stay and ordered a status quo (on the situation as obtaining) before the verdict. The judgement is not operational as of now.
“The judgement is indeed an important document. But it is not operational. It is a fair assumption that appeals may be lodged (in Supreme Court). It is a fair assumption that the Supreme Court will pass interim orders. Therefore, there is no need now to comment on the judgement, which is not operational and status quo as decreed in a Supreme Court order in 1994 will be maintained,” he said.
When asked a number of questions on the subject, he appealed to the media and television channels not to “over interpret” the judgement and devote extraordinary time and space to it.
On the law and order situation, he said the country has been extremely peaceful and there have been no incidents reported from anywhere.