Babri demolition case: Advani, Joshi exempted from daily appearance

Lucknow: Veteran BJP leaders LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi have been exempted from personal appearance during the hearing of the Babri Masjid demolition case in view of their age.

The order was passed on Wednesday by the special CBI court.

Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti, who is also being tried for criminal conspiracy, has also been granted exemption on the ground that her daily appearance could hinder her official work, a court official said.

It is to be mentioned that Advani, Joshi and 12 others have been facing daily hearings over the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

Also Read: Babri Case: Court frames ‘criminal conspiracy’ charges against Advani, 11 others

Six other accused have also filed application seeking exemption from personal appearance but the court is yet to pronounce a verdict.

On May 30, the CBI court granted them bail on personal bonds of Rs 50,000 each but dismissed the discharge application when the defence counsel sought quashing of the criminal conspiracy charge.

The court ordered framing of charges under 120 B of the Indian Penal Code against the accused as sought by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The special court is conducting daily hearings as mandated by the Supreme Court.