Ayodhya Verdict

The three judge bench of Allahabad high court is scheduled to pronounce their judgement to the the 60 year old civil suit  on the Ayodhya title  dispute on September 24,2010.The 16th century Babri Masjid is the disputed property .The property is currently held by the Muslim Wakf Board.It is good to note that Union government,political leaders,religious leaders and activists are all making appeals to the people against falling prey to riotous elements.It is repeatedly stressed the verdict is not the end of the road.SC can be approached by either pearties to the suit after the verdict.The need of the hour is peace and communal harmony.It is heartening to note  that the NBA has issued guidelines to the media,not to speculate on the verdict and ignite passions of any community. It is fervently hoped the media would strictly adhere to the guidelines issued to them. Most political parties including Congress,BJP,Indian Union Muslim league,JD and BSP have all said they would respect the verdict. Like-minded citizens of Lucknow have planned to hold a march for peace on the eve of the judgment .This is a ticklish civil case for the court to resolve.But one hopes the judgement would not ignite any communal riots. Restraint is advised by all leaders to their cadres .However it remains to be seen how disciplined are the party cadres?.Even RSS and many Muslim organisations are very cautious in their response to the outcome of the verdict.All these are positive indications.However most parties are wary about the likely political fall out of the verdict.But there are groups that don't respect courts or their verdicts.How the verdict is going to be interpreted by political parties remains to be seen .Each party will have its own interpretations.One also hopes the three bench judgement is unambiguous and unanimous. A dissent in the judgement could also be interpreted conveniently by those who want to foment and stir up passions.Justice S.U. Khan, Justice D.V. Sharma and Justice Sudhir Agarwal would pronounce the judgment .Because of the surcharged atmosphere every one is guarded in their response to the possible out come of the verdict. One would appreciate if the same caution is exercised by all concerned even after the verdict is announced.The media ,press and leaders of stature should do well by avoiding knee jerk reactions.What is required is resoluteness to respond to the verdict with in the ambit  of law ,constitution and democratic means.The Hindu seers should not sound  any discordant note on the outcome of the verdict .This would go a long way to maintain communal peace and harmony.The Muslim clerics should also reciprocate this gesture .