New Delhi, September 16: Two main parties from Muslim and Hindu sides have written to the Supreme Court seeking resumption of negotiation by the mediation panel to develop a consensus on the contentious Babri Masjid-Ram Janmbhoomi title dispute case. The Supreme Court-appointed mediation panel, headed by former apex court judge FMI Kalifulla, stalled talks between Hindu and Muslim parties on July 29. Ayodhya Case: Supreme Court Asks Muslims About Their Holy Place's Origin.

Sunni Waqf Board, which had filed a suit for ownership of disputed structure in 1961, has written to the mediation panel, seeking resumption of negotiation for a settlement. Nirvani Akhara, one of the three Ramanandi Akharas in Ayodhya which manages and controls the Hanuman Garhi temple, has also written a letter, expressing similar sentiments, Times of India reported. Both the parties expressed confidence in the mediation panel to resume negotiations for a settlement. Ayodhya Case Hearing: Nirmohi Akhara Lays Full Claim on Disputed Land, Says 'Place Cannot be Considered Mosque If No Prayers Offered'.

The mediation panel, which started meetings with both Hindu and Muslim parties on March 8, carried out negotiations for 155 days. Negotiations hit roadblock reportedly because of the hardline stand taken by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind VHP-backed Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas. Earlier, Nirmohi Akhara had also strongly supported Justice SA Bobde's suggestion to set up a mediation panel. Nirmohi Akhara is seeking priestly rights for the idols at the disputed site.

After the mediation panel couldn't strike a deal between Hindu and Muslim parties, a five-judge Constitution Bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, began hearing in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmbhoomi title dispute case. Hindu parties have completed arguments, while the apex court was hearing Muslim parties' arguments.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 16, 2019 09:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).