Professional Documents
Culture Documents
1885: Court Dispute Begins – Mahant Raghubir Das files the first suit
in the matter, seeking to build a temple on land adjoining the
mosque. The Faizabad District Magistrate (DM) refuses him
permission. Next, Mahant Raghubir Das files a title suit in Faizabad
Court against the Secretary of State for India, seeking permission to
build a temple on the chabutra (courtyard) of the Babri mosque.
Faizabad Court rejects his plea.
Dec 1949: Ram Idol Appears inside the Mosque – On the night of
December 22nd, a Ram Idol appears inside the mosque. Hindus
see the appearance of the Idol as a divine revelation, however
many argue that the Idol was smuggled inside at night. Hindus start
offering prayers.
The Government declares the site a “contested area” and locks the
entrance.
1950: Hindu sides file Suits – Two suits are filed in Faizabad Court by
Gopal Simla Viharad and Paramhansa Ramachandra Das, seeking
permission to conduct Hindu pujas to Ram Lalla. The Court granted
the parties permission to conduct pujas. The Court orders the inner
courtyard gates to remain locked.
1959: Third Hindu suit filed – Nirmohi Akhara files a third suit,
seeking possession of the land.
1961: Muslim suit filed – UP Sunni Wakf Board files a suit seeking
possession of Babri Mosque site. They also demand the removal of
Ram Idols from Babri Masjid.
1984: Ram Janmbhoomi Movement commences – Vishwa Hindu
Parishad (VHP) constitutes a group to start the Ram Janmbhoomi
Movement. BJP leader LK Advani is made the leader of the
campaign.
February 1st 1986: Inner Gate of Babri Mosque opened – A third party,
lawyer UC Pandey appeals for the gates to be unlocked before the
Faizabad Session Court, on the grounds that the Faizabad district
administration, and not a Court, had ordered its closure.