SC refers Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case for mediation

The court has directed to hold the mediation proceedings on-camera in Faizabad. The court also said that the reporting of the same by media will not take place as reporting of the mediation proceedings in media will be banned.

New Delhi: In a major move, Supreme Court’s constitution bench on Friday referred the Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case for court appointed and monitored mediation for a “permanent solution”. While hearing the case on Friday morning, the Supreme Court chose a 3–member panel comprising of Justice FM Khaliifulah, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Senior advocate Sriram Panchu. The court has directed to hold the mediation proceedings on-camera in Faizabad. The court also said that the reporting of the same by media will not take place as reporting of the mediation proceedings in media will be banned. Supreme Court said, "mediators can co-opt more on the panel if necessary. Uttar Pradesh government to provide mediators all the facilities in Faizabad. Mediators can seek further legal assistance as and when required". Speaking on the same, CJI Ranjan Gogoi says, "Court monitored mediation proceedings will be confidential."

Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case: Supreme Court says mediation proceedings should be held on-camera. Mediation process will be held in Faizabad. It will be headed by Justice FM Kaliifullah and also comprise Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and senior advocate Sriram Panchu. pic.twitter.com/6gx9FSogG2

— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2019

The court has asked the panel to hand over the permanent solution and report of the mediation dialogue to the court in a closed envelope. Supreme Court said "mediation process has to start within four weeks and to be completed within eight weeks". The five-judge Constitution Bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice S.A. Bobde, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice S. Abdul Nazeer had earlier reserved the order after hearing various contesting parties.

Hindu bodies except Nirmohi Akhara had opposed the suggestion of the apex court to refer the issue for mediation, while Muslim bodies had supported it.

Hindu bodies like Nirmohi Akhara suggested the names of Justices (retd) Kurian Joseph, AK Patnaik and GS Singhvi as mediators, while the Hindu Mahasabha faction of Swami Chakrapani proposed the names of former CJIs Justices J S Khehar and Dipak Misra and Justice (retd) A K Patnaik to the bench.