Ayodhya Case: 5-Judge Constitution Bench to Begin Hearing on Ram Mandir Dispute From January 10
The fixation of the 5-judge bench comes as a major boost for those rooting for an early judicial resolution to the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid dispute -- which has spanned for the last 27 years.
New Delhi, January 8: The Supreme Court on Tuesday announced that the hearing on Ayodhya land dispute will begin from January 10. A five-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, has been assigned to hear the final set of arguments in the highly sensitive case. Other judges who are part of the bench include Justices SA Bobde, NV Ramana, UU Lalit and DY Chandrachud.
The hearings will begin from 10:30am in the morning on Thursday, January 10, 2019, said the notice issued by the apex court. The fixation of the 5-judge bench comes as a major boost for those rooting for an early judicial resolution to the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid dispute -- which has spanned for the last 27 years. PM Modi Says Ordinance For Ram Mandir 'Only After Legal Process'.
Ayodhya hearing from Jan 10: Here is the notice issued by SC
In October, when the Supreme Court was expected to initiate the final set of proceedings in the Ayodhya case, the CJI-led three-member bench decided to adjourn the matter till January this year. This has evoked massive dissent from a spree of Hindutva and right-wing groups, with a chorus growing on adopting an ordinance or passing a law for building the Ram temple on the disputed site.
Among those who pitched for an ordinance or legislation route, included the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh -- the ideological parent of the ruling BJP at the Centre. The saffron party's Maharashtra-based ally, Shiv Sena, had also demanded a law to be tabled in the current session of the Parliament.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has, however, ruled out a non-judicial resolution to the conflict before the Supreme Court delivers its verdict in the case. If a post-judgement scenario calls for the government to take alternative measures, the same shall be implemented, Modi had assured while speaking to news agency ANI.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 08, 2019 05:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).