'Sat before deity for ...': CJI Chandrachud recounts experience during Ayodhya hearings

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, on Sunday, spoke candidly about the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute during an address in his hometown, Kanhersar village in Maharashtra's Khed taluka where he was felicitated. He noted that he had prayed for divine guidance to resolve the long-standing conflict, asserting the belief that "God will always find a way" for those with faith.

Chandrachud recounted his experience during the hearings of the Ayodhya dispute, stating, "I sat before the deity and told him he needs to find a solution." He noted that despite the challenges in resolving complex cases, he firmly believes that with faith, "God will always find a way, adding that, "Very often we have cases (to adjudicate) but we don't arrive at a solution. Something similar happened during the Ayodhya (Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute) which was in front of me for three months".

The Chief Justice was part of the five-judge bench that delivered the landmark verdict on November 9, 2019, which facilitated the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, while also providing for an alternative five-acre plot for a mosque. He reflected on the significance of this ruling and the historical context surrounding it.

Chandrachud also spoke about his visit to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya earlier this year, where he offered prayers. The temple's consecration ceremony took place on January 22, 2024, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.