Ayodhya mediators get time till Aug 15

New Delhi, May 10

The Supreme Court on Friday extended till August 15 the time for a panel of mediators, headed by former apex court judge Justice FMI Kalifulla, to explore an amicable solution to the politically sensitive Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute at Ayodhya.

A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi said they have received the report from Justice Kalifulla in which the panel has sought extension of time till August 15 to complete mediation proceedings.

“If the mediators are optimistic about the result and are seeking time till August 15, what is the harm in granting time? This issue has been pending for years and years. Why should we not grant time,” the Bench, also comprising Justices SA Bobde, DY Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S Abdul Nazeer, told the counsel appearing for the parties.

At the outset, the Bench said they have received the report on May 7 from the chairman of the panel and they have requested the court to consider extending the time till August 15 to complete the mediation proceedings.

The SC had fixed the seat for mediation process in Faizabad of UP, 7 km from Ayodhya, and said arrangements should be forthwith arranged by the state government. — PTI