'Babri Masjid issue, a result of personal egos'

Advocate Zafaryab Jilani, who is representing the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) before the Supreme Court in the Babri Masjid case, said that it is unfortunate that due to personal egos of a few individuals and a few organisations, the society is divided and the whole nation is suffering the repercussions.

Speaking to DH here on Sunday, Jilani said that there are records that people offered 'namaz' at the Babri Masjid up to 1949 when the idol of Ram was installed. "Now, the case is being argued on the issue of 'aastha'. However, it is not an issue of 'aastha', but of political interests of some communal groups. It could have been solved in 1949 itself if not for the then District Magistrate K K Nayar, who declined to follow the orders of the government. He himself brought a court stay to the removal of the idol from the site," he said.

Jilani was in the city to participate in the silver jubilee celebrations of All India Milli Council in Mysuru. "The final hearing of the case will begin on March 14. It was earlier scheduled to start on February 8. The twist of the three stakeholders is purely based on oral evidence. All political parties have exploited the issue to meet their interests. However, the common people are suffering as the issue is misused to trigger communal hatred among both communities," he said.

As the Supreme Court is the final appellate body, there are hopes that the case would be once for all resolved. However, there is no idea on how much time the SC would take for the hearing and to give the final verdict, he said.