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The recent remarks of Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud regarding his prayer for the resolution of the Ayodhya-Babri Masjid land dispute have sparked a controversy, with Congress leader Dr. Udit Raj voicing his dissent. Raj's criticism, conveyed through a social media post, suggests that if the CJI had directed his prayers towards other pressing concerns, such as ensuring accessible justice for ordinary citizens and curbing the alleged misuse of investigative agencies like the ED, CBI, and IT Department, these issues might have found a resolution as well.
Raj's statement comes in response to CJI Chandrachud's revelation at a recent event where he shared his personal experience with seeking divine intervention for the Ayodhya case. The CJI had disclosed that during his tenure on the bench, he had prayed for a solution to the long-standing dispute, which had been pending for centuries. This revelation, while seemingly innocuous, has triggered a debate about the role of personal faith in judicial decision-making.
The Ayodhya-Babri Masjid dispute, a sensitive issue that had deeply divided the nation for decades, finally reached a conclusion in 2019 when the Supreme Court delivered its verdict. The court ruled in favor of the construction of a Ram Temple on the disputed site, while also allotting alternative land for the construction of a mosque. This landmark judgment, while celebrated by some and criticized by others, brought an end to the decades-long legal battle.
However, Raj's criticism of the CJI's prayer for the Ayodhya case highlights a broader concern about the potential for personal beliefs to influence judicial pronouncements. While the judiciary is expected to remain impartial and objective, instances of judges drawing upon personal beliefs for guidance have raised questions about the sanctity of judicial impartiality. The debate surrounding CJI Chandrachud's remarks raises important questions about the role of faith in the judicial process and whether personal beliefs should play a part in the delivery of justice.