Final verdict on Ayodhya dispute tomorrow, security heightened across states

The bench had reserved the judgment on the politically sensitive case on Oct 16 after continuous hearing for 40 days.

The Centre has asked all the state governments to take extreme precautions to avoid any law and order situation.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi on Friday met Uttar Pradesh's top officials to discuss law and order situation in the state, media reports said. 

About 4,000 personnel of the central police forces have been sent to ground zero at Ayodhya, where the disputed place of worship is located.

All schools, colleges, other educational institutions and training centres across Uttar Pradesh will remain closed from Nov 9 to Nov 11 in view of the verdict, reports said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath last night held a meeting with police and administration officials.

The Home Ministry has already issued directives to all the states to ensure peace and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged his ministers not to make any unnecessary statements over the Ayodhya case.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also advised all ministers in the Central Council meeting to avoid unnecessary statements about this decision.

Madhya Pradesh Police is also on high alert and foolproof arrangements are in place across all the 52 districts of the state.

Social media is under priority surveillance and any person who posts an objectionable message, photograph, etc shall attract the “severest” action.

“Field personnel and the intelligence machinery were directed to exercise heightened alertness. Higher-rung officers are ceaselessly keeping an eye on the situation.

Detailed guidelines were issued to deputy inspectors general of Bhopal and Indore besides district superintendents.

A search campaign is on vis-a-vis hotels, lodges, choultries, bus stands, railway stations and other public places. Vehicles shall be checked,” the officer said.
In 1992, the disputed Babri Masjid structure was brought down by several right-wing volunteers who believe Lord Ram was born on that site.

On Sept 27 last year, the apex court had refused to re-visit its 1994 verdict which had stated mosque was not important for Muslims to offer prayers, paving way for the hearing of the Ayodhya case.