Supreme Court to announce verdict on Ram Janmabhoomi case shortly; Security tightened across the country as media and social media guidelines issued

The Supreme Court will announce its verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi case today at 10.30. The case has been listed in the cause list today. Security has been tightened across the country in view of the verdict. The verdict will be pronounced after the 5-judge bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi held daily hearing in September and October. The SC bench reserved its judgment on 16 October after a marathon hearing of 40 days.

In view of the verdict today, PM Modi called for everyone to accept the verdict as one for the entire country and not see it as a victory for one and loss for other. Media personnel, lawyers and massive crowd has gathered outside Court Room 1 of the Supreme Court where the 5-judge Constitutional bench will deliver the judgment in the Ayodhya case.

Home Minister Amit Shah has called for a high level security meeting at his residence today. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, Intelligence Bureau (IB) Chief, Arvind Kumar, and other senior officials are to attend the meeting as per ANI.

Yesterday, Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice S A Bobde and Justice Ashok Bhushan received a briefing from UP’s chief secretary and director general of police on steps taken to ensure law and order in Ayodhya. Likewise, police and paramilitary forces have been stationed in sensitive areas acorss the country. Leaders of RSS, VHP and other Hindu organisations have called for restrained comments and celebrations post verdict. Several Mohallah meeting have taken place between leaders of various communities across the country to keep emotions and reactions in check.

The NBA has issued an advisory on how the Ayodhya matter should be covered by the media so that the communal fabric of the country is not disturbed. Similarly, police of several states have also issued guidelines for social media posts and warned that any content that is aimed to disturb peace and harmony will be considered seriously.