Published 16:41 IST, October 19th 2019
Ayodhya dispute: All parties submit written arguments to Supreme Court
Three days after the Supreme Court reserved its order on Ayodhya land dispute, both Hindu and Muslim parties on Saturday, have submitted their written arguments
Three days after the Supreme Court reserved its order on Ayodhya land dispute, both Hindu and Muslim parties on Saturday, have submitted their final written arguments summarising their oral arguments. The document titled - 'moulding of relief' has been submitted to the Constitutional bench of the apex court. The verdict in the case is expected to be announced before November 17.
Hindu parties' arguments
The Hindu parties in the written arguments state that ' Hindus have continued to revere the place of birth of Shri Rama, Ram Janmasthan, as a place with divine power, significance and offer obeisance'. They have also reiterated their belief ' there was a temple of antiquity, which has been improved upon and continued to exist till the 16th century, is supported by archaeological evidence'. Furthermore, the Hindu parties have stated that ' the basis of Suit-5 is to build a grand temple of the Lord ram commensurate with His stature'.
Nirmohi Akhara's arguments
Meanwhile, the Nirmohi Akhara has questioned the existence of Ram Janmasthan. The Nirmohi Akhara has stated that by claiming the Janmasthan was vacant land and denying the existence of the structure beneath the disputed land, the Muslim parties are not entitled to equitable relief. They have stated that the demand to reconstruct the mosque at the disputed site is inequitable and unjust.
Muslim parties' arguments
On the other hand, the Muslim parties have strongly opposed the agreement reached between the parties during the mediation proceedings. They have also given details of the alternate reliefs the Supreme Court may provide in case the suit is not decided in their favour. They have also opposed the Hindu parties' claim on the disputed land on the basis of the existence of the birthplace of Lord Ram.
Mediation panel submits report
In a major development on Thursday, the Mediation Panel of Justice FMI Kalifulla, Senior advocate Sriram Panchu, and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar filed a settlement report before the Supreme Court. As per reports, the mediators would submit a new report before the Supreme Court intimidating an "agreement" reached between a few parties in the contentious Ayodhya case. Earlier on Wednesday, the Sunni Waqf board surrendered its claim over the disputed land in Ayodhya.
SC reserves judgement after oral arguments conclude
Earlier on Wednesday, the 5-judge constitutional bench reserved the Ayodhya verdict as the arguments for the seven-decade long dispute concluded. The five-judge bench of the case comprising of Cheif Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, Justice S A Bopde, Justice D Y Chandrachud, Justice Ashok Bhushan, Justice S Abdul Nazeer took to their chambers on Thursday, to discuss on whether the details of the mediation panel report could be made public. The bench gave three-day time to the parties to file their written arguments.
Updated 17:01 IST, October 19th 2019