The Babri Masjid dispute remains one of the most discussed chapters in India’s modern socio-political history. Spanning centuries of local claims, decades of legal battles, and intense public debate, the issue has shaped national conversations on faith, law, and heritage. The mosque, originally located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, has been at the centre of sensitive political and religious narratives, making it crucial to understand its historical context and the legal developments that followed.
Historical Background
According to historical records referenced by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Babri Masjid was constructed in 1528–29 during the reign of Mughal emperor Babur, by his general Mir Baqi. The structure served as a mosque for centuries and was one of Ayodhya’s most prominent historical buildings.
At the same time, Ayodhya has long been revered in Hindu tradition as the birthplace of Lord Ram, known as the Ram Janmabhoomi. Claims surrounding the exact site existed for many decades and grew stronger during the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Emergence of the Dispute
The first recorded communal tensions around the site date back to the 1850s, after which the colonial administration erected a barrier dividing the space for Hindu and Muslim worship.
Key developments:
- 1949: Idols of Ram were placed inside the structure, leading to legal suits. Authorities locked the premises, restricting access.
- 1986: A district court ordered the unlocking of the disputed site for Hindu worship.
- 1992: The mosque was demolished during a large gathering, resulting in nationwide riots and deepening communal tensions. The Liberhan Commission was later formed to investigate the incident.
Legal Battle and Supreme Court Verdict
The dispute saw multiple suits filed in various courts until the Allahabad High Court’s 2010 judgment, which divided the land into three parts. However, all major stakeholders challenged the ruling in the Supreme Court.
2019 Supreme Court Verdict
On 9 November 2019, a five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court delivered a unanimous verdict:
- The entire 2.77 acres of disputed land was granted for the construction of a Ram temple.
- The Court cited ASI findings suggesting that a non-Islamic structure pre-dated the mosque, but also clarified that these findings did not establish demolition by force.
- The Court recognised that the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 was a violation of the rule of law.
- The government was instructed to provide 5 acres of land to the Sunni Waqf Board at a prominent location in Ayodhya to build a mosque.
The verdict was widely covered by national and international media and is now considered a landmark judgment in India’s legal and constitutional history.
Ram Temple and the New Mosque Site
Following the ruling:
- The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was established to oversee temple construction.
- The Sunni Waqf Board was allotted land in Dhannipur village for the construction of a new mosque, hospital, and community facilities.
Both developments are ongoing as part of Ayodhya’s evolving religious and infrastructural landscape.
Why the Babri Masjid Case Remains Significant
1. Constitutional Impact
The dispute tested the Indian judiciary’s ability to handle complex faith-based conflicts. The 2019 verdict is now often cited in discussions on constitutional law and secularism.
2. Political Influence
The issue has shaped several election campaigns, political alignments, and public debates for over 30 years, influencing national politics in unprecedented ways.
3. Social Importance
The Babri Masjid–Ram Janmabhoomi matter is deeply woven into India’s collective memory. It continues to be referenced in discussions around interfaith harmony, cultural identity, and historical narratives.
4. Ayodhya’s Transformation
Ayodhya is undergoing large-scale development, including improved connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and cultural preservation projects, partly driven by the site’s new significance.
The Babri Masjid story is not only about a historical structure but also about India’s legal strength, its pluralistic society, and its ability to resolve long-standing disputes through constitutional means. As Ayodhya transforms, the legacy of the dispute continues to be studied by scholars, citizens, historians, and legal experts—ensuring the topic remains relevant for generations to come.