Won't drop charges against Advani, others in Babri case: SC
The Supreme Court on Monday favoured a speedier joint trial against people involved in the Babri Masjid demolition and said it will not accept dropping of charges against LK Advani and others on technical grounds. The SC is likely to give its final ruling on the matter in the next hearing on March 22 wherein the politicians may face trials.
The Supreme Court today expressed concern over delay in trial against people involved in demolition of Babri Masjid. The apex court has said that joint trial of the accused could be held in the matter to speed up the judicial process.The Supreme Court's observation today may brew trouble for BJP veterans LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti. They are likely to face conspiracy charges along with others.The apex court is likely to club two separates cases going on in Lucknow and Raebareli.The Supreme Court bench of Justices PC Ghosh and RF Nariman made the observation today while hearing two petitions filed by the CBI and Haji Mahboob Ahmad.The CBI has challenged the Allahabad High Court's ruling to acquit Advani, Joshi, Uma Bharti, the then UP Chief Minister and present Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh and others.The apex court had sought responses from all the accused during the last hearing. The Supreme Court is likely to give final ruling in the matter in the next hearing on March 22.Babri Masjid, a 16th century mosque, was built by one of the generals of Mughal emperor Babar. It was demolished by a mob on December 6, 1992. Advani and Joshi were present at the site when the mosque was pulled down.Also read: 