Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi appeal for peace on Ayodhya verdict eve

New Delhi : On the eve of Ayodhya title suit verdict, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday made a passionate appeal for peace and harmony after the judgement is pronounced.

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court is scheduled to pass its judgement on the 60-year-old suit to settle the Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit.

Singh, appealing for restraint, urged the people to treat the court judgement with ?utmost respect?.

?We must remember the fact that the judgment, at this stage, is one step in the judicial process. The determination of the issues need not necessarily end with this judgment, unless it is accepted by all parties,? the prime minister said in an appeal through newspaper advertisements.

He added that the aggrieved party could approach higher courts against the verdict, if they are left unsatisfied.

?There should be no attempt whatsoever made by any section of the people to provoke any other section or to indulge in any expression of emotion that would hurt the feelings of other people,? the prime minister said.

?India is firmly and resolutely on the path of inclusive growth. This is recognized all over the world. Nothing must be said or done and nothing must happen that may cause us to deviate from our goals and our objectives,? he added.

Meanwhile, Congress chief and ruling United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi also urged for restraint and peace.

?Accept whatever it is, as per our great tradition of having a liberal outlook,? she said.

?We all know that the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court will be giving its judgement on a sensitive issue. Along with this, we know that almost the entire country has expressed its willingness to accept the judgement by imposing faith in the impartiality of the judiciary,? Gandhi added.