PRABHAT KUMAR Vs. LIBERHAN AYODHYA COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitions, six in number, raise a common question, which can conveniently be disposed of by a common judgment. Petitioners in each of the petitions have prayed for issuance of an appropriate writ, direction or order under Article 226 of the Constitution of india for setting aside the impugned order, Annexure F, dated 4.8.1995 passed by the Liber han Ayodhya Commission of Inquiry (for short 'the Commission') and for quashing of notice, Annexure C, dated 28.4.1995 issued under Section 8-B of the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952 (Act No. 60 of 1952) (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act').

(2.) The Central Government, in exercise of its powers under Sections of the Act, after forming an opinion that it was necessary to appoint a Commission for the purpose of making an inquiry into a definite matter of public importance, namely, destruction of Ram Janma Bhoomi-Babri Masjid Structure at Ayodhya (for short 'the Structure') on 6.12.1992, appointed Justice Shri Manmohan Singh Liberhan, a sitting Judgeof High Court of Punjab & Haryana asone man Commission of Inquiry with respect to the matters mentioned in the notification dated 16:12.1992. The notification reads:

(3.) On 11th June, 1993 the Commission issued a notification under Clause (b) of Rule 5(2) of the Commission of Inquiry (Central) Rules, 1972 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Rules') calling upon persons acquainted or in know of facts, relating to subject matter of inquiry, information and also issued notices under Rule 5 of the Rules and with Order 10 of the Liberhan Ayodhya Commission of Inquiry (Regulation of Procedure) Order, 1993 (for short 'the Order') to certain individuals, calling upon them to furnish to the Commission the requisite information or facts relating to subject matter of inquiry; by way of affidavit(s) in accordance with the Order.