Ayodhya verdict: PM, Sonia Gandhi appeal for calm

On the eve of Ayodhya court verdict, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi today appealed for calm and maintaining peace at all costs, reminding people that further legal remedies are available for the parties to the title suit.

Gandhi said whatever verdict is given it should be accepted by people

"There should be no attempt whatsoever made by any section of people to provoke any other section or to indulge in any expression of emotion that would hurt the feelings of other people," Singh said in an appeal published in almost all leading newspapers today on the eve of the Allahabad high court's judgement on the Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid case.

Observing that the judgment, an outcome of a long judicial process, needed to be treated with the utmost respect, the prime minister said, "We must remember the fact that the judgment, at this stage, is one step in the judicial process".

"The determination of the issues need not necessarily end with this judgement, unless it is accepted by all parties. In case any of the parties feels that further judicial consideration is required, there are legal remedies available, which could be resorted to", he said. 

Singh said the government appeals to the people to ensure that the delivery of the judgement is seen in its proper perspective as part of a judicial process and maintain peace and order after the delivery of the judgment. 

"It is important for all to ensure that the highest traditions of Indian culture and respect for all religions are fully maintained... Nothing must be said or done and nothing must happen that may cause us to deviate from our goals and our objectives," he said appealing to the people to maintain equanimity and tranquility in the aftermath of the judgment.     

Gandhi appealed to the people to "accept whatever" the verdict is and maintain peace, goodwill and brotherhood at all costs.

"Accept whatever it is, as per our great tradition of having a liberal outlook", she said.

"We all know that the Lucknow bench of the Allabahad high court will be giving its judgement on a sensitive issue. Along with this, we know that almost the entire country has expressed its willingness to accept the judgment by imposing faith in the impartiality of the judiciary", Gandhi, who is also chairperson of the ruling UPA, said in an appeal.

Gandhi said, while this was a matter of pride for the high traditions of the judiciary of the country, it was also a symbol of the collective conscience of India. "Unity in diversity and a composite culture is our most precious heritage and legacy," the Congress president said. 

She emphasised that emotional integrity is the biggest strength of the Indian society and the nation. 

Union home minister P Chidambaram said the delay in Ayodhya verdict by a week has had an  unintended benefit with political parties, religious leaders and others making appeals for calm and to resort to judicial process if not satisfied with the high court judgment.