Only verdict, demand parties to Ayodhya suit

Hindu Mahasabha, one of the plaintiffs in the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit, on Thursday informed the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court that it was firmly opposed to “deferment” of the temple-masjid ownership case verdict and that it did not favour a negotiated settlement either.

The Mahasabha moved an application before the three-judge special bench registering its opposition to a bunch of PILs filed in the court seeking deferring the verdict and settling the issue out-of-court.

Another plaintiff, Madan Mohan, also filed an application on Thursday before the court objecting to the PILs, according to his lawyer Ranjana Agnihotri.Counsel for Sunni Central Waqf Board, Zafaryab Jilani, has said he would oppose any attempt to create obstacle in the way of the judgment.

According to lawyers, almost all the parties to the litigation have opposed the PILs, which would be heard by the court on Friday. The court had sought the views of the parties concerned on the PILs and directed that it be intimated about the same on Thursday. The PILs have contended that the order of the court might not be accepted by the party if the judgment went against it.

“Besides, it (verdict) may also lead to communal violence and riots at a time when the country is going to host the Commonwealth Games,” the PILs contended. The PILs have urged the court to defer its verdict and take steps to resolve the matter through negotiations. That the Centre was not taking the issue lightly was evident from its peace appeal which was made in the form of a resolution passed by the Union Cabinet.
The UP government has sought reinforcements of para-military forces in anticipation of violence. It has reportedly vacated school premises to make space for protesters who may be arrested in case disturbances break out. The BJP top brass has already appealed for restraint and directed all its leaders not to make any provocative statements on the issue.