New Delhi, November 8: Ahead of the Supreme Court verdict in the Ayodhya land dispute case, top Muslim cleric Syed Ahmed Bukhari has asked all communities to exercise peace and restraint irrespective of the judicial outcome. The faith in the judiciary must remain intact, he said, adding that both sides must remain cautious of elements who will attempt to instigate the people. Ayodhya Verdict Days Away, VHP Stops Stone-Carving For Ram Mandir First Time in 30 Years.

"Though passions on both sides are running high, but I would urge the Indian conscience to exercise restraint and demonstrate faith in the judiciary," said the statement issued by the Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid.

View Full Statement Issued by Imam Bukhari

Verdict in the 134-year-old Ayodhya legal dispute will be announced by the Supreme Court next week. The outcome is expected before November 17, when Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi -- who presided over the bench which heard the final set of arguments -- is set to retire.

Timeline of the Ayodhya Legal Dispute

The Ayodhya title case suit is expected to end the prolonged tensions over the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. Apprehensions, however, exist ahead of the verdict as security agencies are wary of elements who may attempt to arouse passions and lead to unrest.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all state governments to exercise utmost caution and remain on high alert ahead of the verdict. In Ayodhya, which is epicentre of the matter, Section 144 of CrPC has been imposed which bars the gathering of four or more people.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 08, 2019 08:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).