Justice M.S. Liberhan, Former Chief Justice and Head of Liberhan Commission, Passes Away at 87

Key Facts

• Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan was born on 11 November 1938 near Chandigarh.
• He began his legal career in 1964 at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
• He served as Chief Justice of the Madras High Court and Andhra Pradesh High Court.
• The Liberhan Commission was appointed on 16 December 1992 to investigate the demolition of the Babri Masjid, which took place on 6 December 1992 in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
• The commission was a one-man inquiry under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.
• The commission took nearly 17 years and 48 extensions to submit its report on 30 June 2009.
• The Liberhan Commission report described the demolition of the Babri Masjid as a “meticulously planned” act.
• Justice Liberhan passed away on 2 August 2026 at the age of 87.

Background & Context

The Babri Masjid, a mosque located in Ayodhya, became a central point of religious and political dispute in India. On 6 December 1992, it was demolished by activists, leading to widespread communal tensions. To investigate the causes and responsibility for this event, the Government of India appointed the Liberhan Commission on 16 December 1992, headed solely by Justice Liberhan. The commission's lengthy inquiry, spanning almost 17 years and requiring 48 extensions, stands as one of the longest commissions of inquiry in India’s history. The report detailed the circumstances and individuals involved, labeling the demolition as carefully premeditated.

Why This Matters for Exams

Justice M.S. Liberhan’s role and the Liberhan Commission are significant topics in the context of Indian judiciary history and contemporary political developments. The Babri Masjid demolition is a pivotal event that impacted communal relations and the political landscape in India, frequently discussed in Indian polity, history, and current affairs sections of competitive examinations. Understanding key dates, judicial roles, and outcomes is essential for exam preparedness.

Points to Remember

• Born: 11 November 1938, near Chandigarh.
• Legal Career Start: 1964, Punjab and Haryana High Court.
• Served as Chief Justice of Madras High Court and Andhra Pradesh High Court.
• Liberhan Commission appointed: 16 December 1992.
• Babri Masjid demolition date: 6 December 1992, Ayodhya.
• Commission report submitted: 30 June 2009 after nearly 17 years and 48 extensions.
• Demolition described as a “meticulously planned” act in the commission report.
• Justice Liberhan died on 2 August 2026 at age 87.