The judge gave no reasons for his decision on Mr Advani, who has always denied any wrongdoing, although he was in Ayodhya at the time.

The charges against Mr Advani included spreading hatred against Muslims and provoking the mob to destroy the mosque .

The communal rioting that engulfed India after the razing of the mosque left more than 2,000 people dead

What is your reaction to the court's decision? Do you think justice has been done?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

The following comments reflect the balance of views we have received:

Yes, justice is being done - but in the same old slow and delayed manner our Indian Judiciary works. I am a firm believer that ultimately the Supreme court will deliver a just judgement, based on facts rather than the sentiments, but how long it'll take is uncertain. As far as Mr. Advani's acquittal is concerned - he is acquitted from mosque demolition case since he was neither involved physically (he was away from Ayodhya - the temple site) nor is there any proof that he ordered, directed, or lead the mob at the time of mosque demolition. However he should not be acquitted from the other charge i.e. the charge of criminal Conspiracy for mosque demolition by inciting majority sentiments. After all it was his chariot journey across India, which started all this.
Sachin Vats,India

It has become more of an ego issue for both the community leaders S. Khan, USA

I would rather give the land for temple than letting thousands of fellow Indians die in riots and later live in constant threat for the rest of life. The whole Ayodhya matter started as a political gimmick and now after 12 years, it has become more of an ego issue for both the community leaders. Ask the general public what they want on the disputed land - they don't care. I don't care either. God can be worshipped almost everywhere, it's the emotion that matters and not the place. Parties like congress, BJP, VHP etc. don't care about 'us' or the economy, all they need is parliamentary seats and sadly in our country it still comes from fake promises and provocations. We all have 24 hours a day to think about work, family and do other good things which makes us happy. But we Indians spend so much time thinking about all these irrelevant things just because we are provoked by the politicians on religious basis. I think it's high time we Indians drop religion as a basis of differences and work towards getting a better future for our kids. If we go on this, can you imagine India in year 2010?
S. Khan, USA

This only proves "How powerful our politicians are" in India. They can even change judgements !
Sravan Kumar, India

In this modern world where we have progressed scientifically so much, acquired higher education, progressed materially and understood others' religions, there is no place for hatred towards any other religion. If anyone advocates religious hatred and destruction of places of worship, he should be punished, no matter what position he holds and what religious belief he may have. We are not living in mediaeval times.
Ansaruddin Rahimi, The Bahamas

The only thing that can put right the wrong done bye extremist Hindus now would be a large monument Singh, UK

We do not live in the Middle Ages that we can start destroying others' places of religious worship, even if it was true that Islamists did demolish the temples and Gurudwaras during their rule in India. The only thing that can put right the wrong done bye extremist Hindus now would be a large monument encompassing a temple, a mosque and a church within the same building to prove India's secularism and architectural capabilities.
Singh, UK

It is a political vendetta. But I do agree that this problem needs to be solved amicably and in the spirit of give and take. Communal harmony is must for progress - no more politics please.
GS, Indiana, USA,

Indian judicial system has an impeccable record in providing justice. Why then discriminate on Advani's Case.
Nithin, India

The only justice that can be done is to make a memorial on that spot Imran, Canada

The only justice that can be done is to make a memorial on that spot so that neither a Mosque nor a Hindu temple can be built. Maybe a school should be built so as to educate people to live together.
Imran, Canada

Mr Advani did not tear down the Babri Mosque and therefore was rightfully acquitted from any liability. Mr Advani spoke only of his belief that a temple once stood where the mosque was brought down. The razing of the mosque was a terrible thing, but one can not hold Mr Advani accountable for actions of others.
A. Rastogi, India/USA

In a country governed by a democratically elected party of religious extremists, it is hard to see how a court could have ruled otherwise.
Fareed Ameen, UK

The court decision is not a surprise for Muslims who are being alienated from the Indian community Ahmed, India

The court decision is not a surprise for Muslims who are being alienated from the Indian community. Not a single Hindu leader has been prosecuted nor will be prosecuted in India for the crimes they committed on Muslims.
Ahmed, India

It is fairly clear the courts will not act neutrally. It would be better for the Muslim community to let go of Ayodhya mosque. It's the only way Muslims and Hindus can live in harmony.
Ganenthiran, Canada

I have voted for BJP all my life. I still continue to support them. However, I feel Advani is not as innocent as the court has declared him. This does not mean that Indian judiciary is not competent enough. In fact, Indian judiciary is cleaner than most of the world judiciaries However, I feel the law in India is different for the rich, the poor, and the powerful.
Shantanu, US/India

With a fundamentalist right wing Hindu government ruling India, how can the intelligence agency act freely? Virendra Pratap Singh, India

With a fundamentalist right wing Hindu government ruling India, how can the intelligence agency act freely? Many of the evidence would have been destroyed in so many years.
Virendra Pratap Singh, India

This is outrageous. The first thing that started the episode of the Babri Mosque demolition was the chariot March which was organized by Advani and all that took place later following the it was accredited to Advani. Its shame that the court has acquitted him.
Mohammed Khan, NJ, USA