A.M. Ahmadi, Former Chief Justice of India
Yesterday’s interim order will now be placed before a larger bench where it will be construed. About the A-G’s submission in court, one doesn’t know whether it was in response to a question or his own statement or intention of the central government. One doesn’t know the real picture as the day before, the Union Law Minister had made a similar statement that appeared in the press.
K.K. Venugopal, Senior advocate
What has been ordered by the Supreme Court is good. The judgement has avoided the internal turmoil which could disturb peace in the country. The court has taken a very clear stand and the chapter (regarding any further interpretation over puja) is closed. But if Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati had been able to get AIMPLB’s consent before going to court, the matter may have been different.
Rajinder Sachar, Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice
Technically the area (desired by VHP for puja) has been an undisputed area but it’s connected with the disputed site. The A-G was not totally off the mark when he talked of the undisputed land as the court in its 1994 judgement had said that once the requirement of area is determined after the title suit settlement, the surplus area could be returned. But there was an element of mischief in the VHP demand to perform puja inside the acquired land.
Shanti Bhushan, Former Union law minister
I entirely agree with the SC judgement. The secular fabric of the country has to be maintained. The need of the hour is that the people with goodwill must take up the initiative to resolve the issue in their own hands rather than leaving it to political parties which are looking upon it as an opportunity to tap the Hindu, Muslim and caste votebanks. People must come together and sell a proper solution to both Hindus and Muslims.
Anil Divan, Senior advocate
One of our great constitutional values for which every Indian is proud is the secular nature of our nation. The Supreme Court order reinforces and reasserts this constitutional value. In the backdrop of the Godhra incident and loss of innocent lives, it is imperative that communal harmony and law and order is maintained. This is the concern reflected in the apex court order. We are first Indians and human beings.
