Context

Recently, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) general secretariat expressed concern over the recent construction and inauguration of the “Ram Temple” at the site of the previously demolished Babri Mosque located in Ayodhya.

OIC: Full Form, Member Countries, Official Language and Headquarters

OIC full form is the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and it was founded in 1969, following the criminal arson of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem. It plays a pivotal role in addressing issues facing the Islamic world.

• It is the second-largest intergovernmental organization in the world after the United Nations, with a collective population reaching over 1.8 billion.
• OIC Countries: 57 countries, spread over four continents. 
  • India is not a member of it.
• OIC Headquarters: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• OIC Official languages: Arabic, English, and French.
• Objectives and Principles
  • To promote and protect the interests of the Muslim world.
  • To enhance cooperation and solidarity among member states based on shared Islamic values.
• Organization of Islamic Cooperation Focus Areas
• • Political Affairs
  • Economic Development
  • Social and Cultural Affairs
  • Science and Technology
  • Humanitarian Affairs
• Decision-Making Structure
• • Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM): Comprising foreign ministers of member states, it sets policies and guidelines.
  • Islamic Summit: A summit of heads of state and government that convenes every three years.
  • General Secretariat: The executive arm of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, responsible for implementing decisions and managing day-to-day affairs.
  • Specialized Subsidiary Organs: Address specific issues like economics, science, and technology.

OIC and India

Organization of Islamic Cooperation in December 2023, expressed concern over the Supreme Court’s verdict on Article 370. Supreme Court Verdict on Article 370: 

• Supreme Court has upheld the abrogation of Article 370 related to Jammu and Kashmir. 
• Article 370 of the Constitution was only temporary and Article 370 cannot be restored in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Article 370 was enacted due to wartime conditions in the State and was meant to serve a transitional purpose. 
• State of Jammu and Kashmir did not retain an element of sovereignty when it joined the Union of India.
• Court also observed that restoration of Statehood and elections should be prioritized. 

Timeline of Ram Temple-Babri Masjid Dispute

• 1528 (Mosque construction): Babri Masjid was built in the 16th century in 1528 in Ayodhya by Mir Baqi, under the Mughal emperorship Babur. 
  • Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, is considered one of the holiest places for Hindus worldwide.
• 1859 (British Erect a Fence): British colonial administration partitions the site into two separate sections for Hindus and Muslims. 
  • Muslims were allowed to pray inside, while Hindus were allowed to worship in the outer courtyard.
• 1885 (Court Dispute Begins): Mahant Raghubir Das files the first suit in the matter, seeking to build a temple on land adjoining the mosque.  
  • Faizabad District Magistrate (DM) refuses him permission. 
  • Mahant Raghubir Das again files a title suit in Faizabad Court against the Secretary of State for India, seeking permission to build a temple on the chabutra (courtyard) of the Babri mosque. 
  • Faizabad Court rejects his plea.
• December 23, 1949 (Disputed property): The government declares the mosque a “disputed property” and locks its gate.
• December 6th 1992 (Babri demolished): Babri Mosque razed by a violent mob. 
  • The Karsevaks leave behind a make-shift temple in its place.
• December 16th 1992 (Liberhan Commission): Committee led by retired High Court Justice M. S. Liberhan was formed to look into circumstances leading to the demolition of the Babri Mosque and the communal riots. 
• September 30th 2010: Allahabad High Court splits land in three ways: 
  • 1/3 for the Sunni Wakf Board.
  • 1/3 for the Nirmohi Akhara.
  • 1/3 to Ram Lalla Virajman.
• Supreme Court in 2019: Delivered a landmark verdict facilitating the construction of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. 
  • The court directed the Centre to allocate a five-acre plot to the Sunni Waqf Board in Ayodhya for the construction of a mosque.