With the Supreme Court likely to deliver the Ayodhya verdict before November 17, which is when the Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi retires, police in Uttar Pradesh are already taking precautions when it comes to the law and order situation in the state. The UP police have issued an advisory and stated that they will not hesitate to book social media users under the National Security Act (NSA).
Speaking to the media, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) OP Singh stated that they are prepared and social media is being scrutinised and any objectionable or inflammatory posts will invite action.
"We are absolutely ready. Under no circumstances, will anybody be allowed to take law in their hands. Our Intelligence machinery is geared up. If needed, the National Security Act will be imposed on elements who attempt to disrupt law and order," the DGP told the media.
The directive has restricted the electronic media from conducting debates on Ayodhya and said that all calls made during this period will be recorded and scanned. Collecting stones or bricks has been banned and sale of kerosene has also been stopped. There's a blanket ban on any event, rally or cultural programme in Ayodhya.
On Monday, news agency ANI reported that Ayodhya District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Jha issued a directive prohibiting social media messages and posters on Ayodhya land case that may disturb communal harmony. This prohibition will stay in force till December 28, 2019.
According to the directive, civilians have been barred from keeping, using or demonstrating firearms, explosives, lathi or other sharp weapons. The use and demonstration of licensed weapons at public events has also been banned.
Some other directives in the order include a ban on accumulating explosives or acid, ban on the use of loudspeakers and strict action on defamatory posts against deities on social media.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also asked his ministers and officials in the government to refrain from making any controversial or coloured remarks on the issue.
A five-judge Supreme Court bench had heard the Ayodhya case on a day-to-day basis for 40 days and reserved its verdict on October 16. The apex court is expected to deliver its verdict on a dispute over the ownership of 2.77 acres of land in Ayodhya before November 17, when Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi retires.
The Hindu parties, during the hearing, had argued that the entire 2.77 acres of land is the birthplace of Lord Ram while the Muslim parties claimed the title deed over the land, saying Muslims had ownership of the land since 1528 when the mosque was built.
(With IANS inputs)