'Don't reach hasty conclusions on Ayodhya verdict'

Appealing for peace ahead of Friday's pronouncement of the Ayodhya title verdict, Home Minister P Chidambaram on Wednesday said it would be inappropriate to reach any hasty conclusion that one side has won or that the other side has lost.

In a statement two days ahead of the Allahabad High Court judgment, he asked states to take adequate measures to maintain law and order, especially in sensitive areas.

The home minister said it is possible that there will be one or more judgments delivered by the three-judge special Bench.

"The judgments would have to be read carefully, and the findings of the Hon'ble judges on each of the issues in the four suits would have to be analysed meticulously, before any conclusions may be drawn," he said.

"It would be inappropriate to reach any hasty conclusion that one side has 'won' or that the other side has 'lost'," he said.

Chidambaram said it would be reasonable to assume that one or both sides would immediately apply to the special Bench for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court.

"I would, therefore, appeal to all the parties to the suits as well as the general public and the media to reserve their opinions on the judgment or judgments of the Special Bench and not make any hasty pronouncements," he said while reading out the statement to reporters.

Chidambaram, who did not take any questions, said it is the government's earnest hope that all sections of the people will cooperate with the government in maintaining peace, order, harmony and tranquility.

The home minister said the government is pleased to note that many organisations, including the ones connected with the parties to the suits, have appealed to the people to maintain peace and calm in the wake of the judgment.

"Apart from making an appeal for peace, it is the duty of all organisations concerned to actively work to maintain the peace. In particular, all organisations must urge their members not to spread rumours or make provocative statements," he said.

Chidambaram said it is important that the state governments and the district administrations should immediately activate the peace committees consisting of the residents of a ward or panchayat or mohalla and urge such committees to maintain the utmost vigil and defuse any situation when there is the first sign of trouble.

The home minister said the state governments have been advised to take adequate measures to maintain law and order, especially in sensitive areas and the Central government has also taken a number of measures to assist the state governments.

"No one needs to have any apprehension, and if every one realises his or her obligations to society, we can, working together, ensure that there is peace, order and harmony," he said.

Chidambaram said Article 134A of the Constitution of India allows a party aggrieved to make an oral application seeking leave to move the apex court immediately after the passing of the judgment. "While the parties to the suits study the judgment or judgments and ponder over the next steps, I would appeal to the general public to receive the verdict of the Court as the culmination of the legal process that deserves our respect and acceptance," he said.

The home minister said there are four title suits and there are a number of 'issues' in each suit. "It is pertinent to note that the issues were framed by the trial court, recast by the High Court, additional issues were framed by the High Court and, in one case, issues were recast after certain orders of the Supreme Court.