Monday, May 9, 2011

SC stays HC’s ruling on Ayodhya title dispute


In an order, what could be seen as a great relief to a number of people across the country, the Supreme Court annulled the Allahabad High Court’s verdict on the Ayodhya Title suit. The Court stayed the Allahabad HC’s order for the tripartite division of the controversial Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land.

The Allahabad High Court on September 30 last year directed that the 2.77 acre disputed land would be divided into three parts among Hindus, Muslims and Nirmohi Akhara represented by Ram Lalla, Sunni Waqf Board and Nirmohi Akhara.

"There will be no change of situation at ground zero (the make-shift temple of Ram Lalla). The pooja will continue as per the January 7, 1993 order," senior advocate Ravi Shankar Prasad, who is representing Ram Lalla Virajman, told reporters after the Apex Court’s order.

After the demolition of the Masjid on December 6, 1992, the demonstrators created a makeshift temple. On January 7, 1993, the Congress government enacted the Ayodhya Act 1993 which preserved the status quo of the destroyed mosque and limited prayer on the disputed site.

What could be the outcomes now:

First, the Supreme Court may award use of the land to any one of the plaintiffs.

Secondly, the Supreme Court studies the HC judgment and concurs. But these two outcomes are more of statistical probabilities.

Third, the apex court may ask all parties, the Centre and the state government to maintain an indefinite status quo.

Or Fourth, the Apex Court upholding the spirit of a secular, inclusive and progressive nation, may de-link the disputed land from the politico-religious entities fighting for it.