Security beefed up ahead of SC verdict on Ayodhya

Ahead of the Supreme Court’s verdict in the Ayodhya land dispute case, the Delhi Police has beefed up security across the national capital and asked its top officials to identify sensitive areas in the city for deployment of additional force, officials said.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to pronounce its verdict in the politically sensitive case of Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute in Ayodhya on Saturday.

The apex court is likely to pronounce the judgement at 10.30 am. The police is planning elaborate security arrangements and all precautionary measures will be taken, the officials said.

The deputy commissioners of police of all districts, along with the station house officers, have been directed to raise police visibility and patrolling in the communally sensitive areas.

A five-judge Constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, had reserved the judgement on October 16 after a marathon hearing of 40 days.

According to an advisory released by the police, sufficient forces are being mobilised and the department will also requisition extra Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies from the ministry of home affairs.

Necessary arrangements will be made to ensure safety and security of religious places, the advisory said.

The Delhi government on Friday advised all private schools to remain closed on Saturday as a precautionary measure in view of the Supreme Court verdict.