Ayodhya Court Verdict - A step in the right direction

[From my other blog]


I'm not an expert on legal matters, nor do I understand the existing facts and figures on Ayodhya. It is beyond my ability to comprehend complex language and history.

But I believe the judgement is a step in the right direction. The problem is not as much that of the ownership of the land, as much a conflict of perceptions. Whatever we have as documented evidence are perceptions of the Hindu, Muslim or the left. Our history, archeology and even evolution are in a way perceptions in their own ways. There is no such thing as truth for everyone sees the history the way he or she wants to.

Don't underestimate the power of these perceptions. It can be so powerful that we might end up with a totally divided society if these perceptions are left to themselves or allowed to strengthen. I'm saddened by the lack of wisdom on the part of neutral parties in understanding the importance of perception. It is a challenge for any administration to maintain normalcy when people hold on to their perceptions. In a way, banning of bulk SMS at the time of verdict was a right step.

There are two or more parties (I'll include the so-called neutral people who want to go by the documented information) who hold their own perceptions. It hasn't been easy for anyone to get these parties closer to resolve the issue as they carried their baggage of perceptions. The warring parties did not have a bigger heart, the political leadership lacked the integrity to find a solution.

The judges took it upon themselves to resolve the crisis. They may not have the authority, but they have shown wisdom to understand the situation and come up a solution that will pave the way for a total solution. They have acted a lot more mature than the armchair analysts and activists.

The division of the property may not be perfect or to the satisfaction of the BMAC, but the court allows for appeal. It is still possible that BMAC and the Hindu parties may get a more sensible and resolve it by the time the supreme court decides.

It is important that all parties unload the ghosts of the past - from the days of Rama to Babar to 1949, 87 or 92 in seeking a solution. With perceptions coming closer there is a possibility of an extraordinary exhibition of Muslim brotherhood or Hindu acceptance.


If there is an appeal and the supreme court goes purely by books and reject this verdict, that'll be very unfortunate. A decision based on "hard" facts may sound right legally, but can't be so for the country.