Justice M S Liberhan, Who Led Babri Masjid Demolition Probe, Dies at 87

Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan, the distinguished jurist who headed the one-man inquiry commission investigating the circumstances surrounding the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, passed away at the age of 87. He died on Sunday in Chandigarh, marking the end of a legal career that spanned more than four decades and left a lasting imprint on India's judicial landscape.

Confirming the news, Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association President Rohit Sud said Justice Liberhan passed away on Sunday. His last rites are scheduled to be performed on Monday.

Justice Liberhan began his legal practice at the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1964, steadily building a reputation for his legal acumen and professional integrity. His contributions to the legal fraternity extended beyond the courtroom when he was elected to the Punjab and Haryana Bar Council in August 1970, serving as a member until February 1987. During this period, he also held the position of the Bar Council's secretary from 1976 to 1983.

His judicial career reached a significant milestone when he was elevated as a judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on February 11, 1987. He later went on to serve as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court in 1997 before assuming the role of Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 1998.

Justice Liberhan became a nationally recognised figure after being appointed on December 16, 1992, to head the commission investigating the demolition of the Babri Masjid at Ayodhya. The inquiry sought to examine the events and circumstances that culminated in one of independent India's most significant and politically sensitive incidents.

Throughout his career, Justice Liberhan was associated with several landmark judicial responsibilities and remained respected for his commitment to the rule of law. His demise marks the passing of a jurist whose work continues to hold historical and legal significance in India's public life.