Ayodhya, November 4: Ahead of the Supreme Court verdict in the contentious Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title dispute case on November 17, the Uttar Pradesh government has issued a list of directives for residents of Ayodhya. The order, issued by Ayodhya district magistrate Anuj Kumar Jha on October 31, warned residents of the district against making any defamatory remark on deities on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. Ayodhya Case: Deliver Verdict That Reflects Constitutional Values, Muslim Parties Tell Supreme Court.

"No attempt should be allowed to make any insulting remarks on great personalities, deities and gods on any social media platform such as Instagram, Twitter and Whatsapp. Besides, no installation of any idol of any deity will take place without permission from the district administration," says the order. The district administration has also banned processions, rally, public programme and wall painting on Ramjanmabhoomi. The order will be in force till December 28. Ayodhya Case: Uttar Pradesh Police on Alert Ahead of Supreme Court's Verdict in Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi Title Dispute.

The administration said that the directives have been issued in view of festivals and other events during this period, including Chhath Puja, Kartik Purnima, Panchkosi Parikrama, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Guru Teg Bahadur Shahid Diwas, Eid-ul-Milad and Christmas. The order has categorically barred all individuals — except government officers — from carrying licensed weapons unless permission is sought.

"No individual will keep acid or any item that comprises potent explosive substance or chemical formula. Also, no one will carry stones, pebbles, broken glass pieces or even empty bottles," says the order. It also bans the sale of meat, fish and eggs on Kartik Purnima, Chaudahkosi and Panchkosi Parikrama Mela. The state Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked his ministers to refrain from making any controversial statements on the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi judgment.

Adityanath reportedly said that no minister should make a comment, irrespective of whose favour the verdict comes in. This directive was in line with a larger programme which the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has started. Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also said in Prayagraj that there should be no celebrations on sensitive issues.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 04, 2019 08:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).