New Delhi:  In the wake of the Ayodhya verdict on Friday, bulk text and multimedia messages have been banned throughout the country for next 72 hours starting tonight.

A plea for deferment of the verdict was filed in the Supreme Court today, but the bench refused to hear the matter saying it they lacked the jurisdiction.

The Allahabad High Court is expected to deliver the verdict in the 60-year-old case on Friday, September 24.

As the Ayodhya verdict day nears, Home Minister P Chidambaram has made an appeal to the people to maintain peace.

Addressing the mediapersons in New Delhi, Chidambaram said, "It would be inappropriate to reach any hasty conclusion that one side has won and the other side has lost. We appeal to all to respect the verdict as end of a legal process."

Adding that one or both sides can immediately apply to Supreme Court, the Home Minister said, "Government earnestly hopes that all section of people help in maintaining peace, order, harmony and tranquility; no one needs to have any apprehensions."

He also asked all state governments to take adequate measures to maintain peace.

It is possible that there will be one or more judgements delivered by the three-judge special bench, Chidambaram added.

With just two days left for the verdict on Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, the Karnataka government today declared September 24 and 25 as holidays for all the educational institutions in the state as a preventive measure.

Also, mobile connectivity will be be suspended on the verdict day.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa said the government had taken all preventive steps to ensure that no untoward incident takes place.

He said he would hold a meeting of all political leaders and religious heads to seek their cooperation in maintaining communal harmony, peace, law and order.

Expressing happiness over the the large attendance of legislators and party workers during the ceremony held to induct six new ministers, The Chief Minister said this had send a strong message that the party was united.

Meanwhile, he said Boards and Corporations where posts were vacant would be filled up after consulting BJP state unit president K S Eswarappa.

BDST: 20:48 HRS, September 22, 2010