SC May Revive Conspiracy Charges Against Advani, Joshi, Kalyan Singh In Babri Demolition Case

The Supreme Court on Monday indicated that senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti, Rajasthan governor Kalyan Singh and Vishwa Hindu Parishad leaders may face trial for criminal conspiracy in the disputed structure/Babri Masjid case. The court is likely to take a final call in the case on 22 March. The apex court also said that separate trial going on in Lucknow and Raebareli must be clubbed together.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had accused them all, but a trial court discharged them in a decision upheld by the Allahabad High Court in 2010. The CBI has challenged the Allahabad High Court's ruling to acquit Advani, Joshi, Bharti and the then Uttar Pradesh chief minister and present Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh.

The Supreme Court has posted the case for further hearing to March 22. It had sought responses from all the accused during the last hearing and has asked the CBI to explain why it delayed the appeal against the High Court order.

The current scenario can be seen as a legal cost of a political approach. Clearly, while the Ram janmabhoomi issue is not a palpable one in this season of elections, legally the case seems to be well and alive in the Indian courts.

With inputs from ANI