The Supreme Court’s ruling on November 9, 2019, marked the culmination of a decades-long legal battle over the ownership of the 2.77-acre site, believed by Hindus to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. The verdict not only resolved a protracted and emotionally charged conflict but also mandated the government to establish a trust to oversee the temple’s construction, while simultaneously providing 5 acres of land for the Sunni Waqf Board to build a mosque elsewhere. Chandrachud's reflections offer insight into the human dimension behind the momentous decision, which sought to balance religious sensitivities with legal principles.
During his address, Chandrachud emphasized the role of faith, stating that in matters of such deep importance, one often turns to prayer, trusting that a higher power will guide the outcome. He mentioned that the complexity of the Ayodhya dispute, involving historical, archaeological, and legal dimensions, added immense pressure on the bench, but faith in a just resolution kept him hopeful.
The case had seen decades of litigation, with both Hindu and Muslim parties presenting claims to the site, which had been a focal point of communal tension for years. The demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 had further exacerbated the conflict, drawing widespread national and international attention. The 2019 verdict attempted to address both religious claims, affirming the Hindu belief that the site was indeed Lord Ram's birthplace while recognizing the historical presence of the Babri Masjid.
The ruling was based on several key findings, including archaeological evidence that suggested the presence of a non-Islamic structure beneath the mosque. The court noted that this structure, dating back centuries, bore architectural traits inconsistent with Islamic design, reinforcing Hindu claims over the land. At the same time, the court acknowledged the unlawful demolition of the Babri Masjid and sought to address Muslim grievances by allotting alternate land for a mosque.
Following the verdict, the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board accepted the court's decision, though other Muslim litigants expressed dissatisfaction and sought a review. However, the Supreme Court dismissed all review petitions in December 2019, reiterating the finality of its judgment.
Chandrachud's recent comments underscore the emotional weight of the decision for the judiciary. He was part of a bench led by then-Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, which also included Justices SA Bobde, DY Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan, and S Abdul Nazeer. The verdict, hailed as a victory for reconciliation by some, continues to evoke varied reactions across India’s religious communities.