Ahead of upcoming Diwali festivities and in anticipation of verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi case which is expected in November, section 144 has been imposed across Ayodhya till December 10. The prohibitory orders prohibit assembly of four or more persons across the district.
While section 144 was imposed in Ayodhya since August 31 this year, it only covered ‘unlawful assembly’. The order now includes restricted use of drones, unmanned aerial vehicles for filming, sale and purchase of crackers and even holding media debates. Moreover, the Uttar Pradesh state government will also be hosting a three-day ‘Deepotsav’ beginning the eve of Diwali on 26th October, which is also expected to bring in a huge crowd of devotees.
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Supreme Court has been carrying out day-to-day hearing of the case and the arguments are to be concluded on 17th October. Diwali, the festival of lights which celebrates return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after spending 14 years in exile and defeating Ravan in the Hindu epic Ramayana, falls on 27th October, 2019.
Last week, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, without mentioning Ram Janmabhoomi case, had had said that he hopes “a very good news” awaits all. While he did not elaborate further on his statement, he did urge people to draw inspiration from Lord Ram. Without specifying the SC verdict on Ram Janmabhoomi temple, Yogi Adityanath said, “We are Ram bhakts, there is a lot of strength in bhakti. I feel we will soon get to hear very good news.”