The historic Ayodhya verdict, delivered over four years ago by a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, has led to a significant moment in India’s cultural and religious history. The judges responsible for this landmark decision have been honored with invitations to the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22.
The esteemed panel included former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, former CJI SA Bobde, current Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, and former Supreme Court judges Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer. Their unanimous decision in 2019 paved the way for the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site, a verdict that marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
In addition to these distinguished jurists, over 50 other legal luminaries, including former chief justices, judges, and top lawyers, have been invited. Notable among them are Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and former Attorney General KK Venugopal.
The Ram Mandir ‘Pran Pratishtha‘ ceremony, a grand event in Ayodhya, is being prepared with great enthusiasm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will grace the occasion as the chief guest, marking the inauguration of the Ram temple. The ceremony will witness the first visuals of the idol of Ram Lalla installed in the temple’s sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). The seven-day religious rituals, which began on January 16, will culminate in the ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony.
The temple trust has announced that over 7,000 guests, including politicians, celebrities, industrialists, and saints, are expected to attend. Ayodhya has undergone a significant transformation in anticipation of this event. In a related development, Prime Minister Modi released commemorative postage stamps on Ayodhya’s Ram Temple and a book with stamps dedicated to Lord Ram from around the world.
The Prime Minister has urged the public to avoid visiting Ayodhya on January 22 to ensure the smooth conduct of the ceremony, emphasizing respect for Lord Ram. The temple will be open to the public from January 23, allowing devotees to partake in the celebrations and witness the newly consecrated temple.
This event not only marks a significant religious occasion but also represents a moment of unity and respect for the judiciary’s role in resolving one of the most contentious issues in India’s recent history. The presence of the judges who delivered the Ayodhya verdict at the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony symbolizes the harmonious blend of justice, faith, and national heritage.
