A CBI court on Tuesday charged former deputy PM LK Adavni, senior BJP leader MM Joshi and cabinet minister Uma Bharati for their role in conspiracy behind the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992. They all, however, were allowed bail on personal bonds of Rs. 50,000 each.
As the court proceeding started on Tuesday, the counsel for the 12 accused moved a bail application on behalf of Advani and others, which the court allowed. Thereafter, they moved another application, pleading their discharge from conspiracy charges, which was rejected by the CBI judge. Now, an additional section of 120 B of the IPC (criminal conspiracy) has been invoked against them.
Enough evidence on record against Mr. Advani, Dr. Joshi, Ms. Bharti and others for framing of criminal conspiracy charge, the court says.
However, earlier in a day, the court rejected a discharge petition filed by the accused and said they will be charged under Section 120B of the Indian Penal Code.
“We have submitted discharge application. If court rejects it, then charges will be framed,” Prashant Atal, lawyer of accused said.
The assessment in the BJP being that the hearings would help stir support for constructing a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. The Ram temple agenda is at the forefront after BJP scored an emphatic victory in the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls. With a majority government at the Centre as well as in Lucknow, supporters expect BJP to make efforts to construct the temple.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath met Advani at the VVIP Guest House in Lucknow soon after the veteran leader arrived from New Delhi. After his meeting with Advani, Adityanath was seen talking to some lawyers.
The Supreme Court had on April 19 ordered prosecution of Advani (89), Joshi (83), 58-year-old Uma Bharti, and other accused for criminal conspiracy in the politically sensitive case. It had also ordered day-to-day trial to be concluded in two years.
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Babri Masjid Case
December 1992: After Babri Masjid’s demolition, two FIRs were registered in the case: “demolition of the mosque by karsevaks” ; Thirteen BJP leaders, including LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti and Vinay Katiyar, named for delivering ‘communal’ speeches before the demolition.
May 2001: Special CBI court drops conspiracy charge against 13 accused, including Advani, Joshi, Uma Bharti and others.
November 2004: CBI challenged before the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court.
May 2010: Advani and the others were absolved of conspiracy charges as Allahabad HC upholds special court order .
September 2010: Allahabad HC awards two-thirds of Ayodhya site to Hindu parties, one-third to Waqf Board.
February 2011: CBI moves SC, arguing the demolition bid was “a concerted conspiracy”.
May 2011: SC stays Allahabad HC verdict on Ayodhya dispute calling it ‘erroneous’ and orders the Special CBI court in Lucknow to frame criminal conspiracy charges against the BJP leaders.
