As a measure of abundant caution in the face of the Ayodhya verdict, the government on Wednesday banned bulk SMSes and MMSes for three days with immediate effect.
The ministry of communications issued the order in consultation with the ministry of home affairs.
The order has been issued to all mobile telecom service providers in the country for "banning all bulk SMSes and MMSes in all service areas with immediate effect for the next 72 hours".
The step comes two days before the verdict by the Allahabad high court on the title suit of the Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute on Friday.
The government is apprehensive that some extreme elements may foment trouble by inciting communal passions after the delivery of the judgment.
Earlier in the day, Home Minister P Chidambaram appealed for peace and caution against rushing to any inappropriate conclusion over the judgment.
