Ayodhya dispute: SC asks lawyers to intimate tentative time frame for completing arguments

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, September 17

As the Ayodhya land dispute hearing completed 25 days, a five-judge Constitution Bench on Tuesday asked counsel for all the parties to inform it about tentative time schedule for conclusion of arguments.

The Constitution Bench is headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, who is due to retire on November 17.

During the post-lunch session, the Bench wanted to know from senior counsel Rajeev Dhavan—representing Muslim parties—about the time schedule for conclusion of arguments. The CJI said it will enable the Bench to know the time left for writing the judgment.

The Bench, which also includes Justice SA Bobde, Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice S Abdul Nazeer, asked Dhavan to consult lawyers representing other parties to the Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute and let it know the time schedule for concluding arguments.

Dhavan said he also wanted a judgment and he would be quick in making his submissions. He, however, requested the Bench to consider granting him a break this Friday.

The Bench said in case he took a break, some other counsel from the Muslim side should continue arguments on Friday.

“I do not want to break my argument,” Dhavan said, adding that they have a schedule and they are conscious of the speed of the arguments.

The bench said Dhavan might need the break but his young team would like to work hard.

Since August 6, the top court has been hearing 14 cross appeals against the Allahabad High Court’s September 30, 2010 order equally dividing the disputed land between Ram Lalla, Nirmohi Akhara and Muslims. On Tuesday, it heard arguments from senior counsel Rajiv Dhavan on behalf of Muslim parties and the hearing would resume on Wednesday.