A FIGHT ACROSS CENTURIES
Considered among the most contentious disputes in India, the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi case has stretched on for more than 150 years. The general election in 2019 and demands for a new ordinance have pushed it back under spotlight
1528 Babri Masjid is built 1853 The first recorded incident of violent communal conflict over a dispute that the mosque was built over a temple. 1949 An idol of Ram Lala mysteriously appears inside the mosque. Hindus begin offering prayers. Local Muslims protest and both parties file civil suits. The city magistrate attaches the property and locks the gates but prayers continue. 1986 Faizabad sessions judge allows Hindus to worship at the site. NOVEMBER 9, 1989 Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi allows shilanyas at an “undisputed site”. 1990 BJP president L K Advani goes on a rath yatra and is arrested at Samastipur, Bihar. Thousands of kar sevaks gather in Ayodhya. The mosque is partially damaged and 30 are killed in police firing. DECEMBER 6, 1992 The Babri Masjid is demolished. Rioting breaks out all over India, leaving 1,200 people dead. APRIL 2002 Three Allahabad high court judges begin hearings. AUGUST 2003 The Archaeological Survey of India claims to have found evidence of a temple beneath the mosque. JUNE 2009 The Liberhan Commission submits report to then PM Manmohan Singh, 17 years after its formation. SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 Allahabad high court rules that the site should be trifurcated between Hindus, Muslims and the Nirmohi Akhara. Control of the main disputed section, where the mosque was torn down, is given to Hindus. MAY 2011 The Supreme Court suspends the high court ruling. MARCH 21, 2017 Supreme Court calls for an out of court settlement. APRIL 19, 2017 Supreme Court says senior BJP leaders LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti and others will be tried for allegedly conspiring to demolish Babri Masjid. DECEMBER 5, 2017 The Supreme Court decides to hear appeals challenging the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict SEPTEMBER 27, 2018 Supreme Court refuses to refer petition on whether mosque is an integral part of Islam to a larger bench