Conclude Babri trial against Advani, Joshi by August 31: SC

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 8

The Supreme Court on Friday asked a Lucknow Special CBI Court to complete the trial against senior BJP leaders LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Kalyan Singh, Uma Bharti and other in the Babri mosque demolition case by August 31 this year.

"Having taken the letter dated May 6 into consideration, we extend the period to complete evidence and deliver judgment till August 31," a Bench of Justice RF Nariman and Justice Surya Kant said.

While giving liberty to Special Judge SK Yadav to conduct the proceedings in the manner he deemed fit, including the use of videoconferencing, the top court asked him to ensure that the new deadline was not breached and the verdict was delivered within the extended timeframe.

The top court passed the order after receiving a letter from Special Judge Yadav informing the top court that even the evidence was not yet completed.

The Supreme Court had on April 19, 2017, revived criminal conspiracy charges against the senior BJP leaders and asked Special CBI Judge, Lucknow, to conduct day-to-day hearing and complete the trial in two years. But it has been extending the time given to the judge from time to time. It had also extended the tenure of Special Judge Yadav who was to retire in September 2019.

"We are cognisant of the fact that Shri Yadav is making all efforts in order that the trial reach a just conclusion," the Bench noted.

Besides Advani, Joshi, Kalyan Singh and Uma Bharti, the accused facing criminal conspiracy charge include former BJP MP Vinay Katiyar and Sadhvi Ritambhara. Three other high-profile accused died during pendency of the case.

Kalyan Singh, during whose tenure as UP Chief Minister the disputed structure was demolished, was initially not tried as the top court held that being a Governor of Rajasthan, he was immune to prosecution. Charges were framed against him after he ceased to be Governor.

The court revived the charges 16 years after they were dropped by a Lucknow court on technical grounds.

The Mughal-era mosque in Ayodhya was demolished by kar sevaks or supporters of Vishwa Hindu Parishad on December 6, 1992, sparking communal riots that claimed more than 3,000 lives.

No more extension

The Supreme Court had on April 19, 2017, revived criminal conspiracy charges against the senior BJP leaders and asked Special CBI Judge, Lucknow, to conduct day-to-day hearing and complete the trial in two years. But it has been extending the time given to the judge from time to time. It had also extended the tenure of Special Judge Yadav who was to retire in September 2019.