The South Asian Minorities Lawyers Association (SAMLA) on Saturday observed December 6 as a solemn day of national mourning and constitutional reflection, reiterating that the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 remains one of the “darkest days in independent India.” In a statement issued by Secretary General Feroz Khan Ghazi, the organisation called upon citizens to uphold the values of justice, equality, and harmonious coexistence that lie at the heart of the Constitution.
Terming the events of 1992 “a grave blow to the constitutional spirit, democratic values, and social fabric of our nation,” SAMLA emphasised that the demolition was not merely the destruction of a structure but an assault on the rule of law and the foundational principles of the Republic. Ghazi reminded that the then President of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma, had strongly condemned the act, describing it as a moment of national shame. He further highlighted that the Supreme Court, in its judgment, had unequivocally held the incident to be unlawful and a criminal offence – an observation that, SAMLA said, underscores the gravity of the violation committed.
The statement stressed that the tragedy of December 6 must be understood not only through legal scrutiny but also through its moral, social, and historical dimensions. “It inflicted a permanent scar on the soul of a free India,” SAMLA noted, adding that the large-scale and organised nature of the incident constituted one of the most severe assaults on the constitutional order in the country’s history.
As India marks another anniversary of the demolition, SAMLA reiterated its commitment to promoting the rule of law and protecting minority rights. It said that the country’s greatest strength lies in its diversity, and safeguarding that diversity is essential to preserving national unity and ensuring long-term progress.
Calling the day a reminder of the urgent need to heal historical wounds, Ghazi urged citizens across the country to recommit themselves to constitutional morality, reject divisive rhetoric, and collectively work toward building a society grounded in justice, dignity, and mutual respect.
“Only by standing firmly on the values of our Constitution,” SAMLA said, “can India move forward as a truly inclusive and democratic nation.”
