Days ahead of Ayodhya land dispute verdict, Ayodhya District Magistrate, Anuj Kumar Jha has prohibited messages regarding Ayodhya land case on social media & posters that could disturb communal harmony. Prohibition will stay in force till December 28 this year. The Supreme Court will announce the verdict of the politically-sensitive Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case ahead of Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi's retirement.

Supreme Court reserves verdict

The Supreme Court on October 16, reserved the verdict Ram Janmabhoomi- Babri Masjid land dispute case. The bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, and comprising of SC judges Justices S.A. Bopde, D.Y. Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan, S. Abdul Nazeer reserved the verdict. The court reserved the verdict after marathon day-to-day hearing in the case.

READ: Ayodhya verdict: Spiritual leader urges to maintain restraint

Developments in the case 

Mediation panel formed to solve dispute

The apex court had earlier this year formed a mediation panel to solve the age-old dispute. The panel consisted of Justice FMI Kalifulla, Senior advocate Sriram Panchu, and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. The panel was made for 8-week and Uttar Pradesh's Faizabad was set as the location where the mediation would be held. The eight-week deadline for the mediation talks were completed on May 3. However, the deadline was extended and the apex court on July 18 asked the mediation committee to continue the process and submit a report on the progress till July 31.

READ: Ayodhya verdict: Muslim groups say SC's decision should be respected

Mediation panel failed, day-to-day hearing began

On August 2, CJI Ranjan Gogoi declared that the Ayodhya mediation panel failed to come to a settlement. He declared that day-to-day hearings would start from August 6. Even after repeated appeals from both parties against day-to-day hearing, the apex court continued the process. 

READ: MP: No leave for police officials ahead of Ayodhya verdict

Heated arguments in the court

As both parties concluded oral arguments in October, heated arguments took place between both sides. While Muslim group lawyer Rajeev Dhawan, reiterated his demand to have the mosque restored in its original condition as it existed before the demolition on December 6, 1992, Hindu groups demanded restoration of Ram Temple. In a major twist on the 40th day of day-to-day hearing, mediation panel filed a settlement report before the apex Court. Reportedly, the Sunni Waqf board surrendered its claim over the disputed land in Ayodhya. 

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