The Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, consisting of five judges, who delivered the landmark verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi case more than four years ago, has received an invitation to attend the consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir on January 22 as state guests.
The five-judge bench, comprising former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, former CJI SA Bobde, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, and former Supreme Court judges Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer, had ruled in favor of the construction of a Ram temple by a trust at the disputed site in 2019.
In addition to the judges, the invitation extends to over 50 jurists, including former chief justices, judges, and top lawyers. Notable invitees also include Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and former Attorney General KK Venugopal.
Preparations are currently underway for the grand ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, scheduled for January 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chief guest at this momentous event, which will also mark the inauguration of the Ram temple.
Recently, the first images of the idol of Ram Lalla, placed inside the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, were revealed. The religious rituals for the ‘Pran Pratistha’ ceremony commenced on January 16 and will continue until January 21.
According to the temple trust, more than 7,000 individuals, including politicians, celebrities, industrialists, and saints, are expected to attend the ceremony. The town of Ayodhya has undergone significant transformations in preparation for the Ram Mandir event. On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled commemorative postage stamps on Ayodhya’s Ram Temple and a book featuring stamps dedicated to Lord Ram from various parts of the world.