SDPI takes strong exception to VHP chief’s remark post Babri verdict

The Social Democratic Party of India, (SDPI) has expressed deep concern over the Vishva Hindu Parishad, (VHP), president Alok Kumar’s reported remark on Supreme Court Babri verdict which said: “About Kashi and Mathura, I must make it clear that Supreme Court judgement is not the end of the story, it is the beginning”.

SDPI national president M. K. Faizy in a statement took strong exception to the VHP chief’s remark after the Babri Masjid verdict which has vitiated the whole atmosphere. He reminded him that “The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991” which clearly states to prohibit conversion of any place of worship and to provide for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on the 15th day of August, 1947, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. However, Babri Masjid is an exception to this legislation as dispute over this religious place was already in court of law.

Faizy said that it is a paradox that the Supreme Court has accepted many of the arguments made by the Muslims over the last several years but the final judgment is that they are not going to be given any portion of the disputed land. This verdict in the Babri Masjid case is going to send the very wrong message to India’s religious minorities. It may also encourage a second wave of Hindu triumphalism.

He pointed out that despite the claim of supporting and upholding secularism, the Supreme Court has directly given its verdict against secular principles. How can the apex court having said that the act of vandalism was committed by destruction of the mosque and not being able to obtain any proof of ownership from both parties, selectively give its verdict in favour of one party! This is not only discriminatory, but a sad day for justice.

Faizy said that every aspect of this legal battle that has been going on since the past 50 odd years in this context, has systematically denied justice. The miscarriage of justice by the Supreme Court has opened the evil doors of the Hindu Rashtra concept of the BJP-RSS-VHP combine that it has been conniving since 1949 when the idols were illegally placed in the mosque. Faizy stated that the apprehension about the long term negative impact of Supreme Court verdict on the fate other Muslim monuments is proved right with above statement VHP president.