Resolution

• In view of all the above, the re-building of an Ancient Temple with such historic association with a Deity revered by so many cannot be taken up anywhere else and if the same land is considered important by some other religious group, then it can only be acquired through persuasion and proper compensation. Make an equitable and economic offer that cannot, in good faith, be refused by the others, persuade them of the social benefits that they can also, derive from accepting such an offer.
• Request the others to understand the difference between an Ancient Temple, built where the manifestation of the Divine is historically and widely recognized and worshiped, and is hence, more revered, in many aspects, than other Temples, Churches or Mosques which are merely convenient places for a community to get together for prayer or puja.
• Appreciate their understanding and magnanimity and gesture of good will when they agree. Try to understand and leave the matter for a future date if they don’t. Having waited centuries, a few more years need not matter.
• The matter of demolition of any structure, proved to have been legally constructed on any disputed site, pending resolution of the dispute, is an illegal act that calls for proper redressal under the Law. Such redressal is to be looked at separately from claims about the ownership of the Land and in cases where the responsibility for such an act is found to lie at the hands of a mob of unidentifiable persons then the appropriate compensation as decided by the Courts should be paid by the Government as it does in the case of damage done under a calamity or in rail accidents.

Conclusion

Courts are expected to consider all aspects of a case before it, and allow all stakeholders adequate time to properly present their arguments, before announcing its decision. However, the Parties should not be allowed to unduly delay matters to avoid a decision.

Afterword

It may be noted that the very Masjid in which Prophet Mohammed was said to have offered prayers in Saudi Arabia was itself unceremoniously removed when it came in the way of the alignment of a proposed new road. Thereby clearly evidencing that, a mosque or masjid is only a place to get together for prayer and does not have any sanctity as a place of residence of a Deity. A Deity is more than just an idol, even though an idol which is also an object of worship, must also, be treated with reverence. An ancient temple is a place of residence of the Deity and is a place of Worship. Places for Prayer
must be distinguished from places of Worship.

This article was as written in 2012 and is now published as it was then, to provide a sense of the case. The recent Supreme Court judgment has finally settled this matter in the best practical and just manner.

JAI BHARAT! – JAI HIND!

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