Centre appeals for calm post-Ayodhya verdict

Wary of extreme reactions to the Allahabad High Court judgment on Ayodhya dispute expected on September 24, the Centre on Thursday appealed for peace, saying the judicial recourse will not end till all sections are satisfied and further legal remedies available.

The issue was discussed at the Union Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and it passed a resolution, appealing for peace after the delivery of the judgment.

"It goes without saying that the judgment needs to be treated with the utmost respect," said the resolution passed by the Cabinet and read out by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni to the media.

"At the same time, we must remember the fact that the judgment, at this state, is one step in the judicial process. The determination of the issues need not necessarily end with this judgment unless it is accepted by all parties," it said.

 The government said "in case any of the parties feels that further judicial consideration is required, there are legal remedies available which could be resorted to."

Keeping this in mind, the government said it is necessary for all sections of the people of India to maintain equanimity and tranquility in the aftermath of the judgment."

The resolution was passed against the backdrop of worries in the government that there could be a communal flare-up in the event of the high court verdict on Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit going either way.

The prime minister recently held a meeting with senior Cabinet colleagues on the issue.

"There should be no attempt whatsoever made by any section of the people to provoke any other section or to indulge in any expression of emotion that would hurt the feelings of other people," the Cabinet resolution said.

The government appealed to the people to ensure that the delivery of the judgement is seen in its "proper perspective as part of a judicial process" and maintain "peace and order" after it.

"It is important for all to ensure that the highest traditions of Indian culture and respect for all religious are fully maintained," the Cabinet resolution said.

Noting that the country is "firmly and resolutely" on the path of inclusive growth which is recognised all over the world, it said, "nothing must be said or done and nothing must happen that may cause us to deviate from our goals and our objectives."

With Agency inputs