Justice Liberhan, who led Babri demolition probe panel, dies at 87

Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan, who led the Liberhan Commission investigating the Babri Masjid demolition, died in Chandigarh on August 2, 2026, at age 87.

The Liberhan Commission delivered its report on June 30, 2009, after nearly 17 years and 43 extensions, making it one of India's longest-running judicial inquiries.

The report concluded that the Babri Masjid demolition on December 6, 1992, was premeditated, systematic, and a planned conspiracy by multiple individuals, including political figures and right-wing organizations.

Justice Liberhan served as chief justice of the Madras High Court from July 7, 1997, and the Andhra Pradesh High Court from February 28, 1998.

He began practicing at the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1964 and was elected to the bar council in August 1970.