New Delhi, Nov 2 (IANS): The Allahabad High Court's verdict on the Ayodhya dispute did not condone the demolition of the Babri Masjid, Congress president Sondia Gandhi said Tuesday while asserting that the perpetrators must be "brought to justice".

"The judgment in no way condones the demolition of the Babri Masjid," Gandhi said at a meeting of the All India Congress Committee here Tuesday.

"It was shameful, criminal act. Perpetrators should be brought to justice," she said.

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court Sep 30 divided the disputed land into three equal parts -- two going to Hindu parties and one to a Muslim litigant.

She praised the Indian people for ensuring that there was peace and harmony after the verdict was announced.

"The broader message for all is that our fight against communalism and fanaticism of all types has to continue unabated. The abuse of religion to inflame passions will be forcefully resisted by our government," she said.