'This Court Has Respect For Equality Of Religions': Supreme Court Says While Closing Plea Against Ayodhya Judgment Addendum

The petition listed before a Bench comprising CJI, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Hima Kohli was filed seeking expunging of certain observations in the said judgment. The petitioner had taken objection to certain references in the addendum judgment about a defence witness's statement regarding Guru Nanak visiting the Ram Temple at Ayodhya.

As the matter was called out, the CJI indicated that the petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution is not maintainable. He informed the Counsel that the effect of the observations in the addendum and the judgment are not the same. It was further explained that the addendum does not bear the signature of the judges. However, for the satisfaction of the petitioner, the Bench recorded the following clarification in the order.

"Having set out the legal position, we close these proceedings with the observation that perhaps the perspective of the petitioner is based on a misappreciation of the decision. The decision cannot be construed to contain any observation reflecting on the faith of the petitioner. This Court has respect for the equality of religions which is a fundamental constitutional tenet embodied in Article 25 of the Constitution."

It further noted -

"Counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner submits that with these observations, the petition may be closed since the grievance is duly assuaged."

[Case Title: Manjit Singh Randhawa v. Union of India WP(C) No. 42/2020]

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