Ram Mandir inauguration: How courts dealt with petitions and requests related to the January 22 ceremony

New Delhi, India: In a significant legal move, Manan Kumar Mishra, Senior Advocate and Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI), has formally requested Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud to declare a national court holiday on January 22, 2024. This request aligns with the culmination of the grand inauguration ceremonies of the Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, spanning from January 14 to January 22, 2024.

Overview of the Ram Mandir Inauguration Ceremony

The festivities, marking the end with the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony on the final day, have garnered international attention. Notably, the guest list includes about 100 public figures from 55 nations, encompassing continents like Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. Distinguished diplomats and Members of Parliament from countries including Japan, Canada, Australia, France, Korea, and the USA are set to attend this monumental event. In a remarkable highlight, the Korean Queen, citing her ancestral lineage to Shri Ram, has been specially invited to grace the occasion.

Mishra's correspondence with the Chief Justice underscores the cultural, religious, national, and international significance of the Ram Mandir inauguration. He articulates the universal appeal of Shri Ram's chronicles, revered for his commitment to righteousness and embodiment of virtuous traits, transcending cultural and religious boundaries worldwide.

The proposal emphasizes the opportunity for legal professionals and court staff to participate in the inauguration activities, both in Ayodhya and nationwide. Mishra suggests practical solutions for the justice system to continue its operations, including special provisions for urgent cases or necessary rescheduling.

Furthermore, the plea highlights the Supreme Court's landmark judgment of 2019, which recognized Shri Ram's birthplace and allocated the disputed land for constructing the Ram Mandir. Mishra believes that observing a judicial holiday in honor of the temple's inauguration would symbolize the integration of legal processes with the cultural and religious fabric of Indian society.

As the legal community eagerly awaits a response from the Chief Justice, Mishra's request poignantly reflects the intricate balance between legal obligations and the cultural-religious sensitivities that are foundational to Indian society.