What was the Allahabad High Court verdict on Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid?

Ayodhya: Hearing the land title case related with the disputed site of Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, a verdict had been delivered by the Allahabad High Court on September 30, 2010.

The verdict given on basis of 2-1 majority by a bench comprising Justice D V Sharma, Justice Sudhir Agarwal and Justice S U Khan had proposed a 3-way division of the 2.77 acre area.

1. One third of the land was given to Ram Lalla – infant Lord Ram, represented by Hindu Maha Sabha
2. One third was entrusted to Nirmohi Akhara
3. One third was to be given to Islamic Sunni Waqf Board.

The Bench agreed that the portion that was allotted Ram Lalla would be the one falling under the erstwhile central dome structure, where a makeshift temple has been built.

The award was given “as per faith and belief of Hindus” given the huge sentimentality attached with the land considered to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, a prime Hindu God. The court disagreed that the case was time-barred, a plea filed by Sunni Waqf Board.

Read: Ram Temple-Babri Masjid dispute: SC advises parties to sort out 'sensitive' Ayodhya matter outside court

Also, during the hearing, evidence predating the 3-dome structure was called upon and used from the Archaeological Survey of India.

It is believed that a Hindu temple existed on site before the mosque structure. Historic belief is that the temple was destroyed by Moghul king Babar and a mosque was on its place instead.

The same mosque structure was later destroyed on December 06, 1992 by a large crowd of Hindu kar sevaks.