SC judge quits the Babri Masjid case against BJP senior leaders

A Supreme Court judge on Thursday recused himself from hearing appeals pertaining to the dropping of criminal conspiracy charge against senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Union minister Uma Bharti in the Babri Masjid demolition case.

Justice V Gopala Gowda recused himself from the hearing without citing any reason.

The bench, which also comprised Justice Arun Mishra, said, “Let the matter be placed before the Chief Justice.” The CJI will decide on referring the case to a new bench.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and one Haji Mahboob Ahmed had moved SC against the Allahabad high court’s May 20, 2010, verdict discharging Advani and 19 senior leaders of the BJP and Hindu outfits of criminal conspiracy in the demolition case.

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