In a revealing statement, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud has acknowledged seeking divine intervention during the historic Ayodhya Ram Mandir dispute. Speaking at a felicitation ceremony in his native Kanhersar village, CJI Chandrachud shared a personal anecdote about his experience navigating the complex legal battle. He emphasized the significance of faith in finding resolution, stating that he turned to prayer for guidance.
“Something similar happened during the Ayodhya (Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute), which was in front of me for three months. I sat before the deity and told him he needs to find a solution,” CJI Chandrachud is quoted as saying by PTI. He further stressed the power of faith, stating, “Believe me, if you have faith, God will always find a way.”
This revelation offers a glimpse into the personal dimension of the Ayodhya dispute, one of India’s most sensitive and long-standing religious and legal controversies. The CJI’s account underscores the profound impact of faith on his approach to complex judicial cases, emphasizing the belief that even seemingly intractable issues can be resolved through divine intervention.
It is worth noting that CJI Chandrachud was a key figure in the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on the Ayodhya dispute. In 2019, as part of a five-judge bench headed by then Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, he contributed to the final verdict that paved the way for the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The court also ruled that a mosque would be built on an alternative five-acre plot within Ayodhya.
The CJI’s personal faith and his role in the historic Ayodhya judgment have generated considerable public interest. Earlier this year, CJI Chandrachud shared photos of him performing arti and offering prayers to Lord Ganesha’s idol at his residence, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His visit to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in July 2023, where he offered prayers, further highlighted his connection to the site.
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir dispute has been a subject of intense debate and legal battles for over a century. The CJI’s candid remarks about seeking divine intervention offer a unique perspective on the personal challenges faced by those involved in resolving this highly sensitive and complex issue. His account sheds light on the role of faith in navigating difficult legal matters and underscores the enduring power of faith in the face of adversity.