New Delhi: Describing the apex court’s advice for an amicable out-of-court settlement of the Ayodhya Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute as “superb”, Union Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma on Tuesday said it will pave the way for the construction of the Ram temple.
“It is a superb advice by the apex court. There cannot be a better advice to solve the problem,” Sharma told media.
He said the construction of the Ram temple was not a political issue but about the faith of crores of Indians living in and outside the country.
“Now with Yogi Adityanath as Chief Minister, the development works related to the Uttar Pradesh state would get pace. He is an able administrator and would take the state on the path of development. The Ram temple construction movement will also get a boost,” Sharma said.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also welcomed the Supreme Court’s offer.
“The negotiations are the best way to resolve the dispute. The Court has said that the Ayodhya dispute is a serious and sensitive issue and has asked for its amicable solution. We welcome the decision,” BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said.
“This is a very good step by the apex court. Even the BJP has been encouraging to resolve the issue through negotiations. It is a very good step to solve the issue by sitting together and negotiating,” Minister of State for Law and Justice PP Chaudhary told Gulf News.
BJP leader Vinay Katiyar said the CJI’s suggestion was right and timely.
“I am happy with the offer made by the Chief Justice of India. We have government in Uttar Pradesh and the Centre. We all will find the solution after conversation,” Katiyar said.
Speaking on the issue, Hindu fundamentalist outfit Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Dattatreya Hosabale said, “it is to be decided by all the parties who went to court. A grand Ram temple should be erected with the total involvement of all Indians.”
However, Joint Convener of Babri Masjid Committee SQR Ilyas said the process of negotiation and arbitration was already over and could not happen again.
“This fight has been dragging along for very long now. Negotiation can help end this fight. Even before, panchayats [local administration] used to resort to this method and disputes were solved and it can be the case now too,” Ilyas said.
Convener of Babri Masjid Action Committee Zafaryab Jilani was, however, not against efforts for out-of-court settlement.
“We do not see the possibility of any such move. Previous attempts have all failed but since CJI is himself willing to monitor the issue, then there will be some legal sanctity to it and not like before where an agreement between the parties was devoid of any legal status. We will forward our opinion soon but we also demand a day to day hearing of the case,” Jilani said.
