Judges from Ayodhya case invited as state guests for Ram Mandir inauguration

The five judges of the Supreme Court's Constitution bench, who rendered the landmark Ayodhya verdict more than four years ago, have been extended invitations as state guests for the consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir on January 22.

The Constitution bench, consisting of 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 delivered a pivotal ruling in 2019 in favour of constructing a Ram temple at the disputed site.

The guest list includes over 50 jurists, encompassing former chief justices, judges, and eminent lawyers. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and former Attorney General KK Venugopal are among the distinguished invitees.

Preparations are underway for the grand 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir on January 22. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to be the chief guest at the event, marking the formal inauguration of the Ram temple.

The first glimpses of the idol of Ram Lalla, positioned within the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, surfaced on Thursday. Commencing on January 16, the religious rituals for the Ayodhya Ram Temple 'Pran Pratistha' ceremony will span seven days, concluding on January 21.

As per the temple trust, more than 7,000 individuals, including politicians, celebrities, industrialists, and saints, are expected to attend the ceremony.

Ayodhya has undergone significant enhancements in the lead-up to the Ram Mandir event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday, released commemorative postage stamps highlighting Ayodhya's Ram Temple and a book featuring stamps dedicated to Lord Ram from around the world.