BABRI MOSQUE DEMOLITION
An Indian court yesterday acquitted top ruling party leaders of conspiracy related to the mob demolition of a flashpoint mosque 28 years ago that sparked communal riots which left more than 2,000 dead. Here is a timeline relating to the mosque dispute:
1528: Babri Masjid built by Mir Baqi, commander of Mughal emperor Babur.
1885: Hindu sage Raghubir Das files plea in Faizabad district court seeking permission to build a canopy outside the disputed structure. Court rejects the plea.
1949: Idols of Ram Lalla placed under central dome outside the disputed structure.
1959: Hindu outfit Nirmohi Akhara files suit seeking possession of the site.
1961: Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board files suit for possession of the site.
1986: Local court orders the government to open the site to Hindu worshippers.
1989: Allahabad HC orders status quo in respect of the disputed structure.
December 6, 1992: Babri Masjid demolished.
1992: Two FIRs filed in the case. One against unknown kar sevaks for demolition of the mosque. The other names BJP leaders L K Advani, M M Joshi and others for allegedly giving communal speeches before the demolition.
1993: CBI files composite charge sheet accusing Advani and others of conspiracy.
2001: Special CBI court drops proceedings against Advani, Joshi, Uma Bharti, Bal Thackeray and others.
Nov 2004: CBI challenges before the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court the dropping of proceedings against BJP leaders on technical grounds. Court issues notices.
May 2010: High court dismisses plea. Says no merit in CBI's revision petition.
2010: In a 2:1 majority, HC rules three-way division of disputed area between Sunni Waqf Board, Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.
2011: SC stays HC verdict on Ayodhya land dispute. CBI moves Supreme Court against high court order in the mosque demolition case.
2017: Supreme Court indicates it may consider reviving conspiracy charge against the BJP leaders in Babri Masjid demolition case. Top court suggests fresh attempts to resolve Ayodhya dispute.
April: Apex court favours time-bound completion of trial in the case and reserves order on CBI's plea. Restores criminal conspiracy charge against leaders including Advani, Joshi and Uma Bharti.
2019: Top court grants entire disputed land in Ayodhya to deity Ram Lalla, directs govt to allot an alternative five-acre plot to Muslims to build mosque. PM Narendra Modi conducts ''bhoomi pujan' in Ayodhya, launches construction of Ram temple.
Sep 30, 2020: Special Judge S K Yadav delivers judgment in the mosque demolition case, all accused acquitted.
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