Introduction:

In a notable development, Justice Ashok Bhushan, a former Supreme Court judge, stands out as the only one among the five judges who allowed the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya back in November 2019, to confirm his attendance at the upcoming consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla on January 22, 2024. This unique decision warrants a closer look at the historic Ayodhya verdict and Justice Bhushan’s distinguished role in it.

Background of Ayodhya Verdict:

The constitutional bench, consisting of five judges, delivered a unanimous judgment on November 9, 2019, favoring the construction of the Ram Temple. This landmark decision acknowledged the illegality of the Babri Masjid’s demolition while supporting the Hindu plaintiffs’ claim to the disputed 2.77 acres of land. Importantly, the judges emphasized that the judgment was based on evidence related to land ownership rather than religious considerations. It is worth noting that this judgment was the first in the apex court’s history without the author’s name attached.

Justice Bhushan’s Unique Contribution:

Justice Ashok Bhushan played a distinctive role in this significant case by offering a separate 116-page concurring opinion. Initially, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi managed to build a consensus, eventually incorporating Justice Bhushan’s opinion as an “addenda” to the judgment—a precedent-setting move. The addenda scrutinizes oral and documentary evidence presented in both the Supreme Court and Allahabad High Court regarding Ayodhya and the Babri Masjid site as Lord Ram’s birthplace. However, the bench decided to allocate the site to the Hindu claimants based on evidence pertaining to the disputed land’s possession rather than these intricate details.

Judges’ Participation in the Consecration Ceremony:

Justice Bhushan, currently serving as the chairman of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), has confirmed his intention to attend the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya. In contrast, the other four judges involved in the Ayodhya verdict have cited various reasons for their non-attendance.

– Former CJI Ranjan Gogoi, now a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha, will be engaged in charitable works for NGOs initiated by his mother in Assam, along with overseeing welfare projects funded by his MPLAD fund.

– Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud will be occupied in the Supreme Court, as the courts are scheduled to function on the day of the ceremony.

– Justice S.A. Bobde, leading a retired life in Nagpur, has not communicated his participation status to the temple officials.

– Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, currently serving as the governor of Andhra Pradesh, has regretfully declined attendance due to prior commitments.

Significance of Justice Bhushan’s Presence:

As the nation eagerly anticipates the consecration ceremony, Justice Bhushan’s decision to attend holds particular significance. His unique perspective, given his distinctive role in the Ayodhya verdict, adds depth to the unfolding narrative. The absence of the other judges raises questions about their varied engagements on this historic day. This unfolding narrative adds an intriguing layer to the broader Ayodhya discourse, emphasizing the continued impact and resonance of the landmark 2019 judgment.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Justice Bhushan’s lone confirmation for the Ram Temple consecration ceremony brings the focus back to the Ayodhya verdict and the nuanced considerations involved. As the legal and historical implications of the 2019 judgment continue to reverberate, Justice Bhushan’s presence at the upcoming event becomes a symbol of continuity in the broader narrative surrounding Ayodhya. The Soulful Page will keep you updated on this evolving story and the unfolding implications. Stay tuned for more insights into this historic event and its aftermath.