Justice D.Y. Chandrachud Reflects on Ayodhya Verdict and Gyanvapi Case

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UPDATED :
Bengaluru, India | Sep 27, 2025, 16:10 IST
3 Min read

New Delhi, Friday 26th September 2025 — In a candid discussion on sensitive judicial decisions, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud reflected on the Ayodhya verdict, the historical debates it triggered, and the ongoing discourse surrounding the Gyanvapi mosque case. Addressing questions on how the judiciary balances law with history and faith, he underlined that the role of the court is neither to erase historical facts nor to ignore present-day realities of worship.

Revisiting the Ayodhya Judgment

Justice Chandrachud noted that critics of the Supreme Court’s Ayodhya verdict often overlooked the broader historical context behind the Babri Masjid dispute. While acknowledging that some arguments had highlighted acts of desecration by Hindus in the later centuries, he emphasized that the origins of the mosque itself were inseparable from its contested history. “Ultimately, people who have criticized the judgment want to ignore the fundamental history of the mosque,” he observed.

He clarified that the court had carefully examined claims that the mosque was built over a demolished temple. “The judgment found that there was no evidence that the underlying structure was necessarily demolished to build the mosque,” he explained, stressing that the verdict was not a blanket dismissal of history but a judicial reading of available evidence.

Balancing History and Law

On being reminded of his earlier caution—that courts cannot entertain claims based on the actions of Mughal rulers centuries ago—Justice Chandrachud pointed to the nuanced approach in subsequent cases. Referring to the Gyanvapi mosque proceedings in Varanasi, he explained why the court permitted a limited survey. “What would you like us to do? Selectively shut your eyes to the fact that there is Hindu worship going on in a part of the structure and only go by the structure of the mosque?” he asked, underscoring that judicial decisions must take into account both the structure’s historical character and the lived practices of communities.

The Ripple Effect of Sensitive Verdicts

The Chief Justice admitted that landmark judgments such as Ayodhya inevitably carry ripple effects beyond the courtroom. These verdicts shape social discourse, political claims, and local tensions. By allowing surveys in ongoing disputes like Gyanvapi, he suggested, the judiciary sought to maintain a balance between acknowledging worship practices and upholding the constitutional principle of religious freedom.

At the same time, he stressed that the judiciary cannot be an instrument for reopening centuries-old grievances. The court, he argued, must draw a distinction between historical wrongs and present-day rights. In his words, “The question is not about shutting eyes to history, but about ensuring justice today without igniting endless cycles of retribution.”

Law, Faith, and Public Responsibility

Justice Chandrachud’s reflections shed light on how the judiciary navigates highly sensitive issues that touch both religious sentiment and constitutional order. By defending the Ayodhya judgment while also justifying the limited scope of the Gyanvapi inquiry, he positioned the court as a mediator between faith and legality. His remarks reinforced the message that judicial institutions must remain vigilant to contemporary practices of worship while not becoming arenas for revisiting every episode of history.

Disclaimer: This interview news report is not intended to defame, criticise, or undermine any individual. It is based on the provided interview content, verified background information, and public domain insights.

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