Enough is enough, says Chief Justice

New Delhi: Daily hearings in the politically sensitive Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute in Ayodhya will end today at 5 pm, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi said. “We will rise by 5 pm, enough is enough,” Gogoi said after a lawyer asked the Supreme Court for more time for arguments. 

The Court is expected to announce a verdict in the 134-year-old title suit before the Chief Justice retires on Nov. 17. 

A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Ranjan Gogoi said that it is hearing the Ayodhya land dispute case for the last 39 days and no more time beyond today. The Bench also comprises Justices S.A. Bobde, D.Y. Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S.A. Nazeer. 

Mediation panel report

Meanwhile, the SC-appointed mediation panel submitted its report in the Apex Court. Sources close to the mediation panel said the broad settlement was to allow Hindus to construct Ram Temple at the disputed site but adequate land to Muslims for construction of a mosque at State expenses. 

Yesterday, Hindu parties pleaded with the Supreme Court to “correct a historical wrong” committed by Mughal invader Babur by erecting a mosque at the birthplace of Lord Ram. 

Appearing for Hindu parties, former Attorney General K. Parasaran told the Bench Hindu kings never went beyond the boundaries of India to invade foreign lands but India suffered multiple invasions. 

Judges threaten walkout

There were dramatic moments as a senior lawyer tore up a map, infuriating the judges. Rajeev Dhavan, representing the Muslim Waqf Board in the title suit, tore up a pictorial map showing the Ram Janmasthan. 

“Can I have your permission to tear it,” Dhavan said to the judges. He acted after Vikas Singh, the lawyer for the All India Hindu Mahasabha, tried to place a publication by Kunal Kishore as evidence during his arguments claiming ownership of the disputed land.

“The Supreme Court should not rely on this book,” Dhavan said, requesting “permission” to tear it up. “You do what you want,” replied Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi. When the pages were torn, the judges threatened to walk off. “Decorum has been spoiled, decorum is not maintained. If proceedings continue in this manner, we would just get up and walk out,” said the Chief Justice.

CJI cancels foreign trip

Reports said that CJI Ranjan Gogoi has reportedly decided to cancel a multi-nation official foreign visit this month, apparently to make sure there is enough time to write the judgment in this case and deliver it before he retires.

CJI Gogoi was set to fly out to Dubai on Oct.18 before proceeding to Cairo, Brazil and New York. He was scheduled to return on Oct.31. The Supreme Court will be closed for a Deepavali break from Oct.27 to Nov.3.