<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-bypolls-up-shocker-sp-wins-both-yogi-bastion-of-gorakhpur-and-phulpur-seat-35824" target="_blank">Uttar Pradesh </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-bypolls-up-shocker-sp-wins-both-yogi-bastion-of-gorakhpur-and-phulpur-seat-35824" target="_blank">bypolls</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-bypolls-up-shocker-sp-wins-both-yogi-bastion-of-gorakhpur-and-phulpur-seat-35824" target="_blank">: UP shocker; SP wins both Yogi bastion of Gorakhpur and Phulpur seat</a>

The Samajwadi Party&#39;s Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel won the Phulpur Lok Sabha bypoll by 59,613 votes Wednesday evening. The BJP came in second.&nbsp;

In the Gorakhpur bypoll meanwhile, the SP&#39;s Praveen Kumar Nishad won by 21,881 votes

 
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Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has reacted after the shocking defeat of BJP on his home-turf Gorakhpur, and Phulpur &ndash; both seats previously represented by him and his deputy in Uttar Pradesh government Keshav Prasad Maurya respective

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-bypolls-rjd-wins-araria-lok-sabha-seat-jehanabad-assembly-seat-and-bjp-retains-bhabua-35816" target="_blank">Bihar </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-bypolls-rjd-wins-araria-lok-sabha-seat-jehanabad-assembly-seat-and-bjp-retains-bhabua-35816" target="_blank">bypolls</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bihar-bypolls-rjd-wins-araria-lok-sabha-seat-jehanabad-assembly-seat-and-bjp-retains-bhabua-35816" target="_blank">: RJD wins Araria Lok Sabha seat and Jehanabad assembly seat while BJP retains Bhabua</a>

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on &nbsp;Wednesday won the Jehanabad assembly seat bypoll.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, BJP&#39;s Rinky Rani Pandey has won the Bhabhua Assembly seat in Bihar.&nbsp;

The result of the Araria Lok Sabha constituency is also out, RJD&#39;s Sarfaraz Alam has won the Araria Lok Sabha seat.

 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-rejects-all-interim-pleas-to-intervene-in-ayodhya-dispute-35810" target="_blank">Supreme Court rejects all interim pleas to intervene in Ayodhya dispute</a>

The Supreme Court today rejected all interim pleas seeking to intervene as parties in the sensitive Babri masjid- Ram temple land dispute case.

The court, however, ordered revival of Swamy&#39;s disposed of writ petition in which he had sought enforcement of his fundamental right to worship at Ram temple on the disputed site in Ayodhya.

&nbsp;

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Former &quot;Wonder Woman&quot; superhero Lynda Carter who played the iconic character in the 1970s TV series revealed that she was sexually harassed during her career.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh bypolls: UP shocker; SP wins both Yogi bastion of Gorakhpur and Phulpur seat The Samajwadi Party's Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel won the Phulpur Lok Sabha bypoll by 59,613 votes Wednesday evening. The BJP came in second. In the Gorakhpur bypoll meanwhile, the SP's Praveen Kumar Nishad won by 21,881 votes Watch: We accept people's verdict, says Yogi Adityanath after BJP's defeat in bypolls Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has reacted after the shocking defeat of BJP on his home-turf Gorakhpur, and Phulpur – both seats previously represented by him and his deputy in Uttar Pradesh government Keshav Prasad Maurya respective Bihar bypolls: RJD wins Araria Lok Sabha seat and Jehanabad assembly seat while BJP retains Bhabua The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Wednesday won the Jehanabad assembly seat bypoll. Meanwhile, BJP's Rinky Rani Pandey has won the Bhabhua Assembly seat in Bihar. The result of the Araria Lok Sabha constituency is also out, RJD's Sarfaraz Alam has won the Araria Lok Sabha seat. Supreme Court rejects all interim pleas to intervene in Ayodhya dispute The Supreme Court today rejected all interim pleas seeking to intervene as parties in the sensitive Babri masjid- Ram temple land dispute case. The court, however, ordered revival of Swamy's disposed of writ petition in which he had sought enforcement of his fundamental right to worship at Ram temple on the disputed site in Ayodhya. I was sexually harassed too, says Wonder Woman Former "Wonder Woman" superhero Lynda Carter who played the iconic character in the 1970s TV series revealed that she was sexually harassed during her career.

WION Evening News Brief, March 14, 2018

The RSS on Sunday said building a consensus on the Ayodhya dispute was not going to be easy but stressed that a Ram Temple &mdash; &quot;and nothing else&quot; &mdash; would be constructed in the Uttar Pradesh town.

Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, who was yesterday re-elected as the RSS General Secretary for the 4th term, stressed that the matter was sub judice and said building a consensus was not going to be easy. &nbsp;

The Sangh&#39;s general secretary is its executive head who looks after the day-to-day affairs of the organisation.

&quot;It is certain that the Ram Temple will be constructed at that place (Ayodhya) and nothing else can be built there, this is also decided, Joshi, told reporters here on the sidelines of the RSS&#39;s all-important Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) meeting.

Confident of a favourable judgment from the Supreme Court on the matter, Joshi said the construction of temple would begin after the court&#39;s order and it would be built on the basis of its verdict on the ownership of land.

Replying to a question on spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravishankar&#39;s efforts at developing consensus between the different parties on the issue, Joshi said consensus building was not going to be easy.

We have always maintained that the temple should be constructed with the mutual agreement but our experience tells us that building a consensus on this issue is not easy, Joshi said.

Though the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader said he welcomed Ravi Shankar&#39;s efforts at negotiations, he pointed out that there were different groups in society with varied outlooks and to build a consensus among them would be difficult.

Joshi was also asked about a demand for a minority religion status for the Lingayat community in Karnataka.

&quot;We do not support that,&quot; he said.

The next hearing in the Ayodhya dispute, to determine ownership of the 2.77-acre Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi disputed land, is to come up before the Supreme Court on March 14.

A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and SA Najeeb is hearing the case.

(With inputs from PTI)

Joshi said the construction of temple would begin after the court's order and it would be built on the basis of its verdict on the ownership of land

The RSS on Sunday said building a consensus on the Ayodhya dispute was not going to be easy but stressed that a Ram Temple — "and nothing else" — would be constructed in the Uttar Pradesh town. Suresh Bhaiyyaji Joshi, who was yesterday re-elected as the RSS General Secretary for the 4th term, stressed that the matter was sub judice and said building a consensus was not going to be easy. The Sangh's general secretary is its executive head who looks after the day-to-day affairs of the organisation. "It is certain that the Ram Temple will be constructed at that place (Ayodhya) and nothing else can be built there, this is also decided, Joshi, told reporters here on the sidelines of the RSS's all-important Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) meeting. Confident of a favourable judgment from the Supreme Court on the matter, Joshi said the construction of temple would begin after the court's order and it would be built on the basis of its verdict on the ownership of land. Replying to a question on spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravishankar's efforts at developing consensus between the different parties on the issue, Joshi said consensus building was not going to be easy. We have always maintained that the temple should be constructed with the mutual agreement but our experience tells us that building a consensus on this issue is not easy, Joshi said. Though the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader said he welcomed Ravi Shankar's efforts at negotiations, he pointed out that there were different groups in society with varied outlooks and to build a consensus among them would be difficult. Joshi was also asked about a demand for a minority religion status for the Lingayat community in Karnataka. "We do not support that," he said. The next hearing in the Ayodhya dispute, to determine ownership of the 2.77-acre Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi disputed land, is to come up before the Supreme Court on March 14. A three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and SA Najeeb is hearing the case. (With inputs from PTI)

Consensus on Ayodhya difficult, but temple will be built: RSS

The Supreme Court is to resume hearing on a batch of cross-petitions against the Allahabad High Court verdict in the Ayodhya Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case on Thursday.

Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and two other judges &ndash; Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice S Abdul Nazeer - will hear a total of 13 petitions over the disputed site in Ayodhya at around 2 pm.

On January 1, 1993, the Allahabad High Court had ruled that till the issue is resolved, devotees must be allowed for darshan of Ram Lalla. The verdict was given by Justice Harinath Tilahri.

Justice Tilhari granted permission for the Darshan following a court petition.

Speaking to ZEE media, he said he granted permission following an appeal by a lawyer in 1993.

Tilhari said that he only gave the permission of Darshan and advised the government to maintain the sanctity of the temple.

On Thursday&#39;s hearing in the Supreme Court, all he said was &quot;just wait and watch the Supreme Court will deliver the justice&quot;.

The last hearing in the case was conducted on December 5, 2017, wherein senior lawyers, including Kapil Sibal, had pleaded that the hearing should be postponed.

Appearing on UP Sunni Central Waqf Board, Sibal had said that the hearing should be deferred to July 2019, suggesting that it be held after the outcome of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

The lawyers had also demanded that the case is referred to a five-judge Constitution Bench.

The court, however, rejected the plea by Sibal and scheduled the hearing for February 8.

On January 1, 1993, the Allahabad High Court had ruled that till the issue is resolved, devotees must be allowed for darshan of Ram Lalla

The Supreme Court is to resume hearing on a batch of cross-petitions against the Allahabad High Court verdict in the Ayodhya Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case on Thursday. Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and two other judges – Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice S Abdul Nazeer - will hear a total of 13 petitions over the disputed site in Ayodhya at around 2 pm. On January 1, 1993, the Allahabad High Court had ruled that till the issue is resolved, devotees must be allowed for darshan of Ram Lalla. The verdict was given by Justice Harinath Tilahri. Justice Tilhari granted permission for the Darshan following a court petition. Speaking to ZEE media, he said he granted permission following an appeal by a lawyer in 1993. Tilhari said that he only gave the permission of Darshan and advised the government to maintain the sanctity of the temple. On Thursday's hearing in the Supreme Court, all he said was "just wait and watch the Supreme Court will deliver the justice". The last hearing in the case was conducted on December 5, 2017, wherein senior lawyers, including Kapil Sibal, had pleaded that the hearing should be postponed. Appearing on UP Sunni Central Waqf Board, Sibal had said that the hearing should be deferred to July 2019, suggesting that it be held after the outcome of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The lawyers had also demanded that the case is referred to a five-judge Constitution Bench. The court, however, rejected the plea by Sibal and scheduled the hearing for February 8.

Allahabad HC judge on why he allowed Ram Lalla's Darshan in Ayodhya in 1993

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Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Thursday that India would become the world&#39;s fastest-growing economy in two years.&nbsp;Jaitley, who was speaking in the Lok Sabha, was quoting from IMF data.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-ex-pm-khaleda-zia-jailed-for-graft-but-likely-to-be-freed-on-bail-pending-appeal-32223" target="_blank">Bangladesh: Ex-PM Khaleda Zia jailed for graft, but likely to be freed on bail pending appeal</a>

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia was&nbsp; <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ex-bangladesh-pm-khaleda-zia-sentenced-to-5-years-in-graft-case-32203" target="_blank">jailed for five years for corruption</a>&nbsp;on Thursday as thousands of supporters took to the streets of the capital to protest her innocence.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/spice-jet-flight-suffers-tyre-burst-during-take-off-no-injuries-reported-32234" target="_blank">Spice Jet plane suffers tyre burst during </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/spice-jet-flight-suffers-tyre-burst-during-take-off-no-injuries-reported-32234" target="_blank">take</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/spice-jet-flight-suffers-tyre-burst-during-take-off-no-injuries-reported-32234" target="_blank"> off</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/spice-jet-flight-suffers-tyre-burst-during-take-off-no-injuries-reported-32234" target="_blank">, main Chennai Airport runway closed</a>

The suspected tyre burst was reported during the take-off of the flight. After which the plane was turned back and landed safely at Chennai airport.&nbsp;

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They may be tight lip about it, but reports suggest that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are all set to walk down the aisle this year.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-postpones-ayodhya-dispute-hearing-to-march-14-32208" target="_blank">Supreme Court asks for English translations of documents, postpones Ayodhya dispute hearing to March 14</a>

The Supreme Court postponed Thursday the hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute to March 14.

India to become fastest-growing major economy in two years: Jaitley Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said Thursday that India would become the world's fastest-growing economy in two years. Jaitley, who was speaking in the Lok Sabha, was quoting from IMF data. Bangladesh: Ex-PM Khaleda Zia jailed for graft, but likely to be freed on bail pending appeal Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and opposition leader Khaleda Zia was jailed for five years for corruption on Thursday as thousands of supporters took to the streets of the capital to protest her innocence. Spice Jet plane suffers tyre burst during take off, main Chennai Airport runway closed The suspected tyre burst was reported during the take-off of the flight. After which the plane was turned back and landed safely at Chennai airport. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are set to have a beach wedding this year? They may be tight lip about it, but reports suggest that Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are all set to walk down the aisle this year. Supreme Court asks for English translations of documents, postpones Ayodhya dispute hearing to March 14 The Supreme Court postponed Thursday the hearing in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute to March 14.

WION Evening News Brief, February 8, 2018

Spiritual leader and &quot;Art of Living&quot; founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Friday spoke about the Babri Masjid-Ram Janambhoomi dispute in Kolkata on Friday.

Ravi Shankar asked both Hindi and Muslims communities to come together saying, that he is speaking to many stakeholders and&nbsp; that &quot;both the communities should come together.&quot;

The leader further suggested that out of court settlement is the best way to solve the dispute.

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I am speaking to many stakeholders, both the communities should come together, out of court settlement is the best: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Ram Temple issue in Kolkata <a href="https://t.co/T7TzWyvK1y">pic.twitter.com/T7TzWyvK1y</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/941598471433285632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar had said in November, &quot;I know some may not agree with this, but Muslim, by and large, are not opposing the Ram temple, the solution may sometimes seen impossible but our people, youth and leaders of both communities can make it possible.&quot;

Former BJP MP Ram Vilas Vedanti rejected his offer to mediate in October. The Babri Action Committee has also asked the Art of Living founder&nbsp;to stay away from the Ayodhya dispute.

The case of Babri-Masjid-Ram Janambhoomi was last heard on December, 5.

The next and described by the court as final hearing of the case would take place on February 8, 2018.

 
&nbsp;

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ask communities to come together to resolve the Babri Masjid-Ram Janambhoomi dispute

Spiritual leader and "Art of Living" founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Friday spoke about the Babri Masjid-Ram Janambhoomi dispute in Kolkata on Friday. Ravi Shankar asked both Hindi and Muslims communities to come together saying, that he is speaking to many stakeholders and that "both the communities should come together." The leader further suggested that out of court settlement is the best way to solve the dispute. I am speaking to many stakeholders, both the communities should come together, out of court settlement is the best: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Ram Temple issue in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/T7TzWyvK1y — ANI (@ANI) December 15, 2017 × Sri Sri Ravi Shankar had said in November, "I know some may not agree with this, but Muslim, by and large, are not opposing the Ram temple, the solution may sometimes seen impossible but our people, youth and leaders of both communities can make it possible." Former BJP MP Ram Vilas Vedanti rejected his offer to mediate in October. The Babri Action Committee has also asked the Art of Living founder to stay away from the Ayodhya dispute. The case of Babri-Masjid-Ram Janambhoomi was last heard on December, 5. The next and described by the court as final hearing of the case would take place on February 8, 2018.

Out of court settlement best way to solve Ayodhya dispute: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

The Supreme Court has commenced its final hearing in the long-standing <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/babri-masjid-ramjanmabhoomi-dispute-a-timeline-25799">Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute</a>, a day before the 25th anniversary of the demolition of the medieval-era structure.

A specially constituted bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and Abdul Nazeer are hearing a total of 13 appeals filed against the 2010 judgement of the Allahabad High Court in four civil suits.

The high court had then ruled a three-way division of the disputed 2.77-acre area at Ayodhya among the parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and the Lord Ram Lalla. 
 
A three-judge bench of the Allahabad High Court, in a 2:1 majority ruling, had said the land be partitioned equally among the three parties.&nbsp; 
 
A sect of Muslims, under the banner of Shia Central Waqf Board of Uttar Pradesh, had earlier approached the court offering a solution that a mosque could be built in a Muslim-dominated area at a &quot;reasonable distance&quot; from the disputed site in Ayodhya. 
 
However, its intervention was opposed by the All India Sunni Waqf Board which had claimed that judicial adjudication between the two sects had already been done in 1946 by declaring the mosque, which was demolished on December 6, 1992, as one which belongs to the Sunnis. 
 
Recently a group of civil rights activists also moved the top court seeking intervention in the Ayodhya dispute and urged it to consider the issue saying it is not just a dispute over property but has several other aspects which would have far-reaching effects on the &quot;secular fabric of the country&quot;. 
 
In pursuance of the top court&#39;s earlier direction, the Yogi Adityanath government has submitted the English translation of exhibits and documents likely to be relied upon, as these were in eight different languages. 
 
A battery of high profile lawyers including senior advocates K Parasaran and CS Vaidyanathan and advocate Saurabh Shamsheri will appear for Lord Ram Lalla, the deity, and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta will represent the Uttar Pradesh government. 
 
Senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Anoop George Chaudhari, Rajeev Dhavan and Sushil Jain will represent other parties including the All India Sunni Waqf Board and the Nirmohi Akhara. 
 
The top court had on August 11 asked the Uttar Pradesh government to complete within 10 weeks the translation of the evidence recorded for adjudication of the title dispute in the high court. It had said it would not allow the matter to take any shape other than the civil appeals and would adopt the same procedure as was done by the high court. 
 
BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, an intervenor in the matter, had attempted to raise the issue of the fundamental right of religion of the Hindus under Article 25 of the Constitution. 
 
Many of the original plantiffs and defendants in the matter including Mohd Hashim, who was the first person to take the matter to the top&nbsp;court, have died. 
&nbsp;

In 2010, the Allahabad high court had ruled a three-way division of the disputed 2.77-acre area at Ayodhya among the parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and the Lord Ram Lalla

The Supreme Court has commenced its final hearing in the long-standing Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute, a day before the 25th anniversary of the demolition of the medieval-era structure. A specially constituted bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices Ashok Bhushan and Abdul Nazeer are hearing a total of 13 appeals filed against the 2010 judgement of the Allahabad High Court in four civil suits. The high court had then ruled a three-way division of the disputed 2.77-acre area at Ayodhya among the parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and the Lord Ram Lalla. A three-judge bench of the Allahabad High Court, in a 2:1 majority ruling, had said the land be partitioned equally among the three parties. A sect of Muslims, under the banner of Shia Central Waqf Board of Uttar Pradesh, had earlier approached the court offering a solution that a mosque could be built in a Muslim-dominated area at a "reasonable distance" from the disputed site in Ayodhya. However, its intervention was opposed by the All India Sunni Waqf Board which had claimed that judicial adjudication between the two sects had already been done in 1946 by declaring the mosque, which was demolished on December 6, 1992, as one which belongs to the Sunnis. Recently a group of civil rights activists also moved the top court seeking intervention in the Ayodhya dispute and urged it to consider the issue saying it is not just a dispute over property but has several other aspects which would have far-reaching effects on the "secular fabric of the country". In pursuance of the top court's earlier direction, the Yogi Adityanath government has submitted the English translation of exhibits and documents likely to be relied upon, as these were in eight different languages. A battery of high profile lawyers including senior advocates K Parasaran and CS Vaidyanathan and advocate Saurabh Shamsheri will appear for Lord Ram Lalla, the deity, and Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta will represent the Uttar Pradesh government. Senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Anoop George Chaudhari, Rajeev Dhavan and Sushil Jain will represent other parties including the All India Sunni Waqf Board and the Nirmohi Akhara. The top court had on August 11 asked the Uttar Pradesh government to complete within 10 weeks the translation of the evidence recorded for adjudication of the title dispute in the high court. It had said it would not allow the matter to take any shape other than the civil appeals and would adopt the same procedure as was done by the high court. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, an intervenor in the matter, had attempted to raise the issue of the fundamental right of religion of the Hindus under Article 25 of the Constitution. Many of the original plantiffs and defendants in the matter including Mohd Hashim, who was the first person to take the matter to the top court, have died.

Supreme Court commences final hearing in Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said that only the Ram Temple would be constructed on the disputed site at Ayodhya and not any other structure.

The RSS chief said that the temple would be constructed in the same grandeur as it existed before, using the &quot;same stones&quot; under the guidance of those who were the flag-bearers of the Ram janmabhoomi movement for the last 25 years.

&quot;We will construct it. It is not a populist declaration but a matter of our faith. It will not change,&quot; Mohan Bhagwat told the &quot;Dharma Sansad&quot;, a congregation of 2,000 Hindu saints, math (pilgrimage site) heads and VHP leaders from across the country at the temple town of Udupi.

The RSS chief said there should be no ambiguity that the Ram Temple will be built at Ayodhya and that after years of efforts and sacrifice, it (building the Ram temple) seemed possible now, while also noting that the matter was in the court.

&quot;Ram Mandir only will be constructed and nothing else. It will be constructed there (what is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram) only&quot;, Mohan Bhagwat said.

&quot;We are close to achieving our goal but at this juncture, we should be extra cautious,&quot; he added.

President of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the remarks of the RSS chief calling them &quot;obnoxious&quot;. He said the RSS was &quot;playing with fire&quot; and hoped that the Supreme Court would take note of the intentions of the RSS.

&quot;Obnoxious statement made by RSS Chief, it clearly gives a message that the RSS is assuming to be the Supreme Court (SC). This is a delicate matter and RSS is playing with fire on this issue. I hope SC takes note of this devious design, being laid out by Sangh Parivar, &nbsp;Asaduddin Owaisi told ANI.

The dispute is pending before the Supreme Court, which on December 5 will start hearings <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/muslims-by-and-large-not-opposed-to-ram-temple-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-24380">on the disputed site claimed by both the Hindus and the Muslims</a>.

The Supreme Court will hear the case a day before the 25th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition on December 6, 1992 by thousands of right-wing activists who claimed the mosque was built on a temple which marked the birthplace of Lord Ram in the 16th century. Two thousand people were killed in the riots which followed the demolition of the mosque.

In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the 2.77 acres of Ayodhya land be divided into 3 parts, with one-third going to the Ram Lalla (Infant Rama) represented by the Hindu Maha Sabha for the construction of the Ram temple, one-third to the Sunni Waqf Board and the remaining one-third to the Hindu Nirmohi Akhara.

All the three parties appealed against the division of the disputed land.

The RSS chief said that the temple would be constructed in the same grandeur as it existed before, using the "same stones" under the guidance of those who were the flag-bearers of the Ram janmabhoomi movement for the last 25 years

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday said that only the Ram Temple would be constructed on the disputed site at Ayodhya and not any other structure. The RSS chief said that the temple would be constructed in the same grandeur as it existed before, using the "same stones" under the guidance of those who were the flag-bearers of the Ram janmabhoomi movement for the last 25 years. "We will construct it. It is not a populist declaration but a matter of our faith. It will not change," Mohan Bhagwat told the "Dharma Sansad", a congregation of 2,000 Hindu saints, math (pilgrimage site) heads and VHP leaders from across the country at the temple town of Udupi. The RSS chief said there should be no ambiguity that the Ram Temple will be built at Ayodhya and that after years of efforts and sacrifice, it (building the Ram temple) seemed possible now, while also noting that the matter was in the court. "Ram Mandir only will be constructed and nothing else. It will be constructed there (what is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram) only", Mohan Bhagwat said. "We are close to achieving our goal but at this juncture, we should be extra cautious," he added. President of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen Asaduddin Owaisi condemned the remarks of the RSS chief calling them "obnoxious". He said the RSS was "playing with fire" and hoped that the Supreme Court would take note of the intentions of the RSS. "Obnoxious statement made by RSS Chief, it clearly gives a message that the RSS is assuming to be the Supreme Court (SC). This is a delicate matter and RSS is playing with fire on this issue. I hope SC takes note of this devious design, being laid out by Sangh Parivar, Asaduddin Owaisi told ANI. The dispute is pending before the Supreme Court, which on December 5 will start hearings on the disputed site claimed by both the Hindus and the Muslims. The Supreme Court will hear the case a day before the 25th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition on December 6, 1992 by thousands of right-wing activists who claimed the mosque was built on a temple which marked the birthplace of Lord Ram in the 16th century. Two thousand people were killed in the riots which followed the demolition of the mosque. In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the 2.77 acres of Ayodhya land be divided into 3 parts, with one-third going to the Ram Lalla (Infant Rama) represented by the Hindu Maha Sabha for the construction of the Ram temple, one-third to the Sunni Waqf Board and the remaining one-third to the Hindu Nirmohi Akhara. All the three parties appealed against the division of the disputed land.

Only Ram Mandir will be constructed at Ayodhya site: RSS chief

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who visited Ayodhya today in a bid to mediate in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute said a positive step had been taken but it could take three to six months to find a solution.

The Art of Living founder said also said Muslims by and large were not opposed to building the Ram Temple.

&quot;I know some may not agree with this, but Muslims by and large are not opposing the Ram Temple,&quot; Sri Sri Ravi Shankar told the press.

&quot;A solution may sometimes seem impossible but our people, youth and leaders of both communities can make it possible,&quot; he added.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who met Iqbal Ansari, litigant in the BabriMasjid case, said, &quot;Talks are in process, it is too soon to conclude anything.&quot;

The spiritual leader said mediation was a &quot;golden opportunity&quot; for both Hindus and Muslims to find a solution.

&quot;We have taken a step forward from everybody&#39;s opposition. But I think this could take some time, three to six months. We will meet people from both communities. Whatever the court decides will be for everybody but this is a golden opportunity for both sides to come together and find a solution to the issue and show their brotherhood.&nbsp;

One community may think 50 years later, that injustice was meted out to them. Then this issue can come up once again, If we want to put an end to the issue once and for all, then there is only one way that both communities co-operate and build the temple.

This seems impossible right now but it is possible to make this possible,&quot; he said.

&quot;The environment is positive. People want to come out of this conflict. I know it is not easy. Let me talk to everyone. It is too early to reach a conclusion,&quot; Sri Sri Ravi Shankar told the press.

The Art of Living founder arrived in Ayodhya amid high security earlier in the day.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, who had welcomed Sri Sri Ravi Shankar&#39;s offer to mediate between the stakeholders yesterday, downplayed the spiritual leader&#39;s efforts today and said one should wait for the Supreme Court&#39;s verdict.

&quot;Talks have been initiated earlier as well but without any solution, but still I welcome anyone who makes efforts again. Supreme Court is hearing the case we should wait for it,&quot; the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said.&nbsp; 
 
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Yogi Adityanath met yesterday (November 15) at Yogi Adityanath&#39;s official residence in Lucknow.

In an informal interaction with journalists after meeting Adityanath, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said,&quot;I want unity...I want amity. This is just a beginning. We will talk to all.&quot;

A top official described the meeting between Ravi Shankar and Adityanath as &quot;good&quot;.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Ram Madhav had yesterday downplayed the visit, and said the legal process should first let be completed in the Supreme Court, only after which other options should be explored.

The matter is pending before the Supreme Court, which in a few weeks will start hearings on the disputed site claimed by both the Hindus and the Muslims.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-sri-ravi-shankar-to-visit-ayodhya-tomorrow-24317">Sri Sri Ravi Shankar&#39;s offer for mediating in the dispute has received a tepid and skeptical response from key protagonists</a> on both sides. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have voiced reservations about his role.

A bench headed by the then Chief Justice J S Khehar had said in March this year that such religious issues can be resolved through negotiations and offered to mediate to arrive at an amicable settlement.

The Supreme Court will hear the case on December 5, a day before the 25th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition on December 6, 1992 by thousands of right-wing activists who claimed the mosque was built on a temple which marked the birthplace of Lord Ram in the 16th century. Two thousand people were killed in the riots which followed the demolition of the mosque.

In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the 2.77 acres of Ayodhya land be divided into 3 parts, with one-third going to the Ram Lalla (Infant Rama) represented by the Hindu Maha Sabha for the construction of the Ram temple, one-third to the Sunni Waqf Board and the remaining one-third to the Hindu Nirmohi Akhara.

All the three parties appealed against the division of the disputed land. 
&nbsp;

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who visited Ayodhya today in a bid to mediate in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute said a positive step had been taken but it could take three to six months to find a solution

Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who visited Ayodhya today in a bid to mediate in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute said a positive step had been taken but it could take three to six months to find a solution. The Art of Living founder said also said Muslims by and large were not opposed to building the Ram Temple. "I know some may not agree with this, but Muslims by and large are not opposing the Ram Temple," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar told the press. "A solution may sometimes seem impossible but our people, youth and leaders of both communities can make it possible," he added. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who met Iqbal Ansari, litigant in the BabriMasjid case, said, "Talks are in process, it is too soon to conclude anything." The spiritual leader said mediation was a "golden opportunity" for both Hindus and Muslims to find a solution. "We have taken a step forward from everybody's opposition. But I think this could take some time, three to six months. We will meet people from both communities. Whatever the court decides will be for everybody but this is a golden opportunity for both sides to come together and find a solution to the issue and show their brotherhood. One community may think 50 years later, that injustice was meted out to them. Then this issue can come up once again, If we want to put an end to the issue once and for all, then there is only one way that both communities co-operate and build the temple. This seems impossible right now but it is possible to make this possible," he said. "The environment is positive. People want to come out of this conflict. I know it is not easy. Let me talk to everyone. It is too early to reach a conclusion," Sri Sri Ravi Shankar told the press. The Art of Living founder arrived in Ayodhya amid high security earlier in the day. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, who had welcomed Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's offer to mediate between the stakeholders yesterday, downplayed the spiritual leader's efforts today and said one should wait for the Supreme Court's verdict. "Talks have been initiated earlier as well but without any solution, but still I welcome anyone who makes efforts again. Supreme Court is hearing the case we should wait for it," the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Yogi Adityanath met yesterday (November 15) at Yogi Adityanath's official residence in Lucknow. In an informal interaction with journalists after meeting Adityanath, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said,"I want unity...I want amity. This is just a beginning. We will talk to all." A top official described the meeting between Ravi Shankar and Adityanath as "good". Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national general secretary Ram Madhav had yesterday downplayed the visit, and said the legal process should first let be completed in the Supreme Court, only after which other options should be explored. The matter is pending before the Supreme Court, which in a few weeks will start hearings on the disputed site claimed by both the Hindus and the Muslims. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's offer for mediating in the dispute has received a tepid and skeptical response from key protagonists on both sides. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have voiced reservations about his role. A bench headed by the then Chief Justice J S Khehar had said in March this year that such religious issues can be resolved through negotiations and offered to mediate to arrive at an amicable settlement. The Supreme Court will hear the case on December 5, a day before the 25th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition on December 6, 1992 by thousands of right-wing activists who claimed the mosque was built on a temple which marked the birthplace of Lord Ram in the 16th century. Two thousand people were killed in the riots which followed the demolition of the mosque. In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the 2.77 acres of Ayodhya land be divided into 3 parts, with one-third going to the Ram Lalla (Infant Rama) represented by the Hindu Maha Sabha for the construction of the Ram temple, one-third to the Sunni Waqf Board and the remaining one-third to the Hindu Nirmohi Akhara. All the three parties appealed against the division of the disputed land.

Muslims by and large not opposed to Ram Temple: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who has offered to mediate in the Ayodhya dispute, will visit Ayodhya tomorrow (November 16).

The spiritual leader on Wednesday met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for 40 minutes at his official residence in Lucknow but said he had no proposal yet to discuss with stakeholders.

In an informal interaction with journalists after meeting Adityanath, he said,&quot;I want unity...I want amity. This is just a beginning. We will talk to all.&quot;

When his attention was drawn to comments by some Muslim leaders rejecting his proposal to resolve the dispute, Ravi Shankar said he had no proposal at the moment so any question of rejection does not arise. 
 
&quot;Neither I have given any proposal nor have I got it from anyone,&quot; he said.

A top official described the meeting between Ravi Shankar and Adityanath as &quot;good&quot;.

The matter is pending before the Supreme Court, which in a few weeks will start hearings on the disputed site claimed by both the Hindus and the Muslims.

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar&#39;s offer for mediating in the dispute has received a tepid and skeptical response from key protagonists on both sides. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and the Vishwa Hindu&nbsp;Parishad (VHP) have voiced reservations about his role.

&quot;It is being said that Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is talking to all the stakeholders in the case but he has not yet contacted the top leadership of All India Muslim Personal Law Board which is leading the Muslim side,&quot; AIMPLB&nbsp;general secretary Maulana Wali Rehmani said.

He said Ravi Shankar had made a similar move to resolve the dispute some 12 years ago and concluded that the disputed site be handed over to Hindus.

&quot;What new formula he has found this time should be told,&quot; Rehmani said.

The VHP too appeared dismissive, saying no dialogue on the issue was needed as courts go by evidence and archaeological evidence was in favour of Hindus.

&quot;There is no relevance of the (recent) clamour for agreement over Ram Janmabhoomi after the archaeological evidences in this regard have been found to be in favour of Hindus... The courts go by evidence,&quot; regional&nbsp;spokesman for the VHP Sharad Sharma said in a statement.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik said, &quot;This (mediation) kind of effort is being made by those who believe it will help resolve the issue at the earliest. I wish their efforts bear fruit. But the apex court&#39;s final verdict will be binding.&quot;

Gautam Vig, a representative of the Art of Living founder said Ravi Shankar was listening to both Hindus and Muslims but no formula has been worked out yet.

A bench headed by the then Chief Justice J S Khehar had said in March this year that such religious issues can be resolved through negotiations and offered to mediate to arrive at an amicable settlement.

&quot;These are issues of religion and sentiments. These are issues where all the parties can sit together and arrive at a consensual decision to end the dispute. All of you may sit together and hold a cordial meeting,&quot; the court&nbsp;had said.

The Supreme Court will hear the case on December 5, a day before the 25th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition on&nbsp;December 6, 1992 by thousands of right-wing activists who claimed the mosque was built on a temple which marked the birthplace of Lord Ram in the 16th century. Two thousand people were killed in the riots which followed the demolition of the mosque.

In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the 2.77 acres of Ayodhya land be divided into 3 parts, with one-third going to the Ram Lalla (Infant Rama) represented by the Hindu Maha Sabha for the construction of the Ram temple, one-third to the Sunni Waqf Board and the remaining one-third to the Hindu Nirmohi Akhara.

All the three parties appealed against the division of the disputed land.

The state&#39;s Shia Waqf Board, which has impleaded itself in the case, has been siding with the Hindu parties to the case. Its chairman Wasim Rizvi says no new mosque should be built in either Ayodhya or&nbsp;neighbouring Faizabad as part of the formula mooted by it to resolve the dispute.

He said since the Babri mosque was a Shia shrine, the board will identify a piece of land in a Muslim-dominated area for it and inform the government.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from PTI) 
&nbsp;

Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who has offered to mediate in the Ayodhya dispute, will visit Ayodhya tomorrow (November 16).

Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who has offered to mediate in the Ayodhya dispute, will visit Ayodhya tomorrow (November 16). The spiritual leader on Wednesday met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for 40 minutes at his official residence in Lucknow but said he had no proposal yet to discuss with stakeholders. In an informal interaction with journalists after meeting Adityanath, he said,"I want unity...I want amity. This is just a beginning. We will talk to all." When his attention was drawn to comments by some Muslim leaders rejecting his proposal to resolve the dispute, Ravi Shankar said he had no proposal at the moment so any question of rejection does not arise. "Neither I have given any proposal nor have I got it from anyone," he said. A top official described the meeting between Ravi Shankar and Adityanath as "good". The matter is pending before the Supreme Court, which in a few weeks will start hearings on the disputed site claimed by both the Hindus and the Muslims. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's offer for mediating in the dispute has received a tepid and skeptical response from key protagonists on both sides. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have voiced reservations about his role. "It is being said that Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is talking to all the stakeholders in the case but he has not yet contacted the top leadership of All India Muslim Personal Law Board which is leading the Muslim side," AIMPLB general secretary Maulana Wali Rehmani said. He said Ravi Shankar had made a similar move to resolve the dispute some 12 years ago and concluded that the disputed site be handed over to Hindus. "What new formula he has found this time should be told," Rehmani said. The VHP too appeared dismissive, saying no dialogue on the issue was needed as courts go by evidence and archaeological evidence was in favour of Hindus. "There is no relevance of the (recent) clamour for agreement over Ram Janmabhoomi after the archaeological evidences in this regard have been found to be in favour of Hindus... The courts go by evidence," regional spokesman for the VHP Sharad Sharma said in a statement. Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik said, "This (mediation) kind of effort is being made by those who believe it will help resolve the issue at the earliest. I wish their efforts bear fruit. But the apex court's final verdict will be binding." Gautam Vig, a representative of the Art of Living founder said Ravi Shankar was listening to both Hindus and Muslims but no formula has been worked out yet. A bench headed by the then Chief Justice J S Khehar had said in March this year that such religious issues can be resolved through negotiations and offered to mediate to arrive at an amicable settlement. "These are issues of religion and sentiments. These are issues where all the parties can sit together and arrive at a consensual decision to end the dispute. All of you may sit together and hold a cordial meeting," the court had said. The Supreme Court will hear the case on December 5, a day before the 25th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition on December 6, 1992 by thousands of right-wing activists who claimed the mosque was built on a temple which marked the birthplace of Lord Ram in the 16th century. Two thousand people were killed in the riots which followed the demolition of the mosque. In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the 2.77 acres of Ayodhya land be divided into 3 parts, with one-third going to the Ram Lalla (Infant Rama) represented by the Hindu Maha Sabha for the construction of the Ram temple, one-third to the Sunni Waqf Board and the remaining one-third to the Hindu Nirmohi Akhara. All the three parties appealed against the division of the disputed land. The state's Shia Waqf Board, which has impleaded itself in the case, has been siding with the Hindu parties to the case. Its chairman Wasim Rizvi says no new mosque should be built in either Ayodhya or neighbouring Faizabad as part of the formula mooted by it to resolve the dispute. He said since the Babri mosque was a Shia shrine, the board will identify a piece of land in a Muslim-dominated area for it and inform the government. (With inputs from PTI)

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to visit Ayodhya on Thursday, says 'will talk to all'

Offering a solution to the Babri Masjid dispute, Uttar Pradesh&#39;s Shia Central Waqf Board on Tuesday (August 8) told the Supreme Court of India that a mosque could be built in a Muslim-dominated area at a reasonable distance from the disputed Ram Janambhoomi-Babri masjid site in Ayodhya.

The Shia Board is one of the parties in the pending appeals in the apex court.

The Shia Waqf Board also told the top court that the Babri Masjid was its property and only it was entitled to negotiate an amicable settlement of the dispute.

The Waqf Board sought more time from the Supreme Court to set up a committee for exploring an amicable settlement of the dispute.

Assailing the stand of the Sunni Central Waqf Board, the affidavit said, &quot;...Since Babri Masjid was a Shia Waqf Board property, Shia Central Waqf Board UP alone is entitled to negotiate and arrive at a peaceful settlement with other remaining stakeholders.&quot;

&quot;Answering respondent (Shia Board) is also of the view that, to bring quietus, masjid can be located in a Muslim- dominated area at a reasonable distance from the most revered place of birth of Maryada Purshottam Sri Ram&quot;.

The top court had earlier said that if required, a principal mediator can be chosen by the court for settling the Ayodhya issue.&nbsp;

A three-judge bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra, Ashok Bhushan and SA Nazeer has been constituted by Chief Justice JS Khehar to hear a batch of petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict in the Ayodhya land dispute case from August 11.

In 2010, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court had said the disputed 2.77 acres of land be partitioned equally among three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

The Shia Board&#39;s 30-page affidavit assumes significance as it has been filed within few days of the Supreme Court agreeing to fast track the hearing on a batch of appeals challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict&nbsp;in the case. 
 
On July 21, a bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar had said that it would soon take a decision to list the matter for early hearing.

The court&#39;s remark had come on a plea of BJP leader Subramanian Swamy who sought urgent listing and hearing of the matter.

The BJP leader had said the main appeals against the Allahabad High Court order were pending in the top court since many years and required an urgent hearing. 
 
He had also said that a separate petition had earlier been filed by him seeking enforcement of his right to worship without much hassle at the site. 
&nbsp;

The Shia Waqf Board also told the top court that the Babri Masjid was its property and only it was entitled to negotiate an amicable settlement of the dispute

Offering a solution to the Babri Masjid dispute, Uttar Pradesh's Shia Central Waqf Board on Tuesday (August 8) told the Supreme Court of India that a mosque could be built in a Muslim-dominated area at a reasonable distance from the disputed Ram Janambhoomi-Babri masjid site in Ayodhya. The Shia Board is one of the parties in the pending appeals in the apex court. The Shia Waqf Board also told the top court that the Babri Masjid was its property and only it was entitled to negotiate an amicable settlement of the dispute. The Waqf Board sought more time from the Supreme Court to set up a committee for exploring an amicable settlement of the dispute. Assailing the stand of the Sunni Central Waqf Board, the affidavit said, "...Since Babri Masjid was a Shia Waqf Board property, Shia Central Waqf Board UP alone is entitled to negotiate and arrive at a peaceful settlement with other remaining stakeholders." "Answering respondent (Shia Board) is also of the view that, to bring quietus, masjid can be located in a Muslim- dominated area at a reasonable distance from the most revered place of birth of Maryada Purshottam Sri Ram". The top court had earlier said that if required, a principal mediator can be chosen by the court for settling the Ayodhya issue. A three-judge bench comprising Justices Dipak Misra, Ashok Bhushan and SA Nazeer has been constituted by Chief Justice JS Khehar to hear a batch of petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict in the Ayodhya land dispute case from August 11. In 2010, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court had said the disputed 2.77 acres of land be partitioned equally among three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. The Shia Board's 30-page affidavit assumes significance as it has been filed within few days of the Supreme Court agreeing to fast track the hearing on a batch of appeals challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict in the case. On July 21, a bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar had said that it would soon take a decision to list the matter for early hearing. The court's remark had come on a plea of BJP leader Subramanian Swamy who sought urgent listing and hearing of the matter. The BJP leader had said the main appeals against the Allahabad High Court order were pending in the top court since many years and required an urgent hearing. He had also said that a separate petition had earlier been filed by him seeking enforcement of his right to worship without much hassle at the site.

Mosque can be built at reasonable distance from Babri Masjid site: Shia Waqf Board to SC

In what may spark a fresh controversy, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator&nbsp;from Hyderabad Raja Singh has said that he would behead the ones opposing the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

&quot;Some people are saying that they will create ruckus if Ram Mandir is built in Ayodhya. I welcome the ones who are warning of dire consequences. We have been waiting for years to behead such traitors,&quot; the MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) said while addressing a public gathering on Thursday.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) condemned&nbsp;Raja Singh&#39;s remark.

Dissociating&nbsp;itself from the legislator&#39;s statement, the right-wing BJP affiliate asserted that it never backed such observations and actions which intended to incite violence. 
 
&quot;Any statement which intended to use violence is condemnable. The RSS has never supported any violent act. The RSS disassociates itself from all such observations and actions,&quot; RSS leader Rakesh Sinha told ANI.

Raja Singh, who represents Goshamal constituency in the Hyderabad Assembly, is known for his right wing activities and has also been arrested multiple times.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had observed that Ayodhya dispute is a &quot;sensitive&quot; and &quot;sentimental&quot; issue, adding that the matter should be settled amicably.&nbsp;

Since then, various right-wing leaders have been campaigning for the temple to be built.

While Uma Bharti said she was ready to go to jail for the temple if need be, BJP leaders have been supporting the cause in their own way.&nbsp;

(ANI)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Various right-wing leaders including Union minister Uma Bharti have been campaigning for the temple to be built

In what may spark a fresh controversy, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from Hyderabad Raja Singh has said that he would behead the ones opposing the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. "Some people are saying that they will create ruckus if Ram Mandir is built in Ayodhya. I welcome the ones who are warning of dire consequences. We have been waiting for years to behead such traitors," the MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) said while addressing a public gathering on Thursday. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) condemned Raja Singh's remark. Dissociating itself from the legislator's statement, the right-wing BJP affiliate asserted that it never backed such observations and actions which intended to incite violence. "Any statement which intended to use violence is condemnable. The RSS has never supported any violent act. The RSS disassociates itself from all such observations and actions," RSS leader Rakesh Sinha told ANI. Raja Singh, who represents Goshamal constituency in the Hyderabad Assembly, is known for his right wing activities and has also been arrested multiple times. Earlier, the Supreme Court had observed that Ayodhya dispute is a "sensitive" and "sentimental" issue, adding that the matter should be settled amicably. Since then, various right-wing leaders have been campaigning for the temple to be built. While Uma Bharti said she was ready to go to jail for the temple if need be, BJP leaders have been supporting the cause in their own way. (ANI)

BJP legislator says will 'behead' those opposing Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has offered his government&#39;s help to resolve the contentious Ram temple issue and called for both sides to re-establish dialogue to settle the lingering dispute.

A strong votary of building a Ram temple on the disputed site in Ayodhya before he took over as chief minister, the hardline Hindutva leader, however, was circumspect in his comments on the issue in an interview to the RSS-affiliated weekly &quot;Organiser&quot;.

He supported the Supreme Court of India&#39;s&nbsp;recent observations on an out-of-court settlement of the dispute and said,&nbsp;&quot;Both the sides should re-establish dialogue and resolve the matter.&quot;

&quot;As the government is not party to it, so the two parties in contention should have a dialogue and resolve the matter. If any help of the state government is needed, we are ready to provide that,&quot; he said.

Last month, the apex court had said that the Ayodhya dispute was a &quot;sensitive and sentimental&quot; issue and suggested that it should be resolved amicably through dialogue between the parties.

Replying to questions about his government&#39;s action against illegal slaughter houses,&nbsp;Adityananth asserted no legally-run abattoir operator would be harassed.

He, however, added nobody can be allowed to play with the health of the people of the state.

Defending his government&#39;s action, he said, steps taken against slaughter houses were in line with the observations of National Green Tribunal in 2015 and the Supreme Court in 2017.

Adityanath said vegetarian food is actually good for health but people can have their own tastes on which restrictions cannot be imposed. 
 
(PTI) 
&nbsp;

The Uttar Pradesh chief minister supported the top court's recent observations on an out-of-court settlement of the dispute

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has offered his government's help to resolve the contentious Ram temple issue and called for both sides to re-establish dialogue to settle the lingering dispute. A strong votary of building a Ram temple on the disputed site in Ayodhya before he took over as chief minister, the hardline Hindutva leader, however, was circumspect in his comments on the issue in an interview to the RSS-affiliated weekly "Organiser". He supported the Supreme Court of India's recent observations on an out-of-court settlement of the dispute and said, "Both the sides should re-establish dialogue and resolve the matter." "As the government is not party to it, so the two parties in contention should have a dialogue and resolve the matter. If any help of the state government is needed, we are ready to provide that," he said. Last month, the apex court had said that the Ayodhya dispute was a "sensitive and sentimental" issue and suggested that it should be resolved amicably through dialogue between the parties. Replying to questions about his government's action against illegal slaughter houses, Adityananth asserted no legally-run abattoir operator would be harassed. He, however, added nobody can be allowed to play with the health of the people of the state. Defending his government's action, he said, steps taken against slaughter houses were in line with the observations of National Green Tribunal in 2015 and the Supreme Court in 2017. Adityanath said vegetarian food is actually good for health but people can have their own tastes on which restrictions cannot be imposed. (PTI)

Resolve Ayodhya dispute through dialogue: Adityanath backs top court observations

The Supreme Court of India has asked BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy&nbsp;to settle the Ayodhya issue through negotiations which would be agreed upon by all petitioners and respondents.

India&#39;s apex court said if negotiations break down then it will intervene and appoint a mediator for a peaceful resolution. India&#39;s highest court added the Ayodhya dispute&nbsp;is a sensitive and sentimental issue and it is best 
that it is settled amicably.

&quot;These are issues of religion and sentiments. These are issues where all the parties can sit together and arrive at a consensual decision to end the dispute. All of you may sit together and hold a cordial meeting,&quot; the bench also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul said.

The Supreme Court directive comes after&nbsp;Subramanian Swamy sought&nbsp;urgent hearing of Ayodhya dispute in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court asked&nbsp;parties concerned to sit together to arrive at a consensus.&nbsp;

Supreme Court&nbsp;asked Swamy to consult the parties and inform it about&nbsp;the decision on March 31.

The Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar&nbsp;has offered to mediate the Ayodhya dispute.

&quot;You must make fresh attempts to arrive at a consensual decision. If required, you must choose a moderator to end the dispute. If the parties want&nbsp;me to sit with mediators chosen by both the sides for negotiations, I am ready to take up the task. Even the services of my brother judges can be availed for the purpose,&quot; the CJI said.

In his petition, Swamy had claimed that under the practices prevalent in Islamic countries, a mosque could be shifted to any other place for public purposes like constructing a road, whereas a temple once constructed cannot be touched.&nbsp;He had also sought directions to expedite the disposal of several petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict of three-way division of the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya on September 30, 2010.&nbsp;

The Babri Masjid was demolished allegedly by a group of karsevaks&nbsp;on December 6, 1992 in&nbsp;India&#39;s northern city of Ayodhya in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It was&nbsp;allegedly demolished at the behest of top&nbsp;Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wont-accept-dropping-of-charges-against-advani-others-in-babri-demolition-supreme-court-13096"> several cases have been&nbsp;lodged since then against various people including political outfits and BJP</a>, VHP leaders.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Its a welcome step by the Supreme Court, the matter I believe can be resolved out of court: Uma Bharti on SC Ayodhya matter <a href="https://t.co/V4uJdJSLmi">pic.twitter.com/V4uJdJSLmi</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/844093350802214912">March 21, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The Chief Justice of India has offered to act as the mediator in the Ayodhya Case. Here&#39;s more to this story (WION)
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(WION with agency inputs)&nbsp;

India's apex court said if negotiations break down then it will intervene and appoint a mediator for a peaceful resolution

The Supreme Court of India has asked BJP Rajya Sabha MP Subramanian Swamy to settle the Ayodhya issue through negotiations which would be agreed upon by all petitioners and respondents. India's apex court said if negotiations break down then it will intervene and appoint a mediator for a peaceful resolution. India's highest court added the Ayodhya dispute is a sensitive and sentimental issue and it is best that it is settled amicably. "These are issues of religion and sentiments. These are issues where all the parties can sit together and arrive at a consensual decision to end the dispute. All of you may sit together and hold a cordial meeting," the bench also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul said. The Supreme Court directive comes after Subramanian Swamy sought urgent hearing of Ayodhya dispute in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court asked parties concerned to sit together to arrive at a consensus. Supreme Court asked Swamy to consult the parties and inform it about the decision on March 31. The Chief Justice of India Jagdish Singh Khehar has offered to mediate the Ayodhya dispute. "You must make fresh attempts to arrive at a consensual decision. If required, you must choose a moderator to end the dispute. If the parties want me to sit with mediators chosen by both the sides for negotiations, I am ready to take up the task. Even the services of my brother judges can be availed for the purpose," the CJI said. In his petition, Swamy had claimed that under the practices prevalent in Islamic countries, a mosque could be shifted to any other place for public purposes like constructing a road, whereas a temple once constructed cannot be touched. He had also sought directions to expedite the disposal of several petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict of three-way division of the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya on September 30, 2010. The Babri Masjid was demolished allegedly by a group of karsevaks on December 6, 1992 in India's northern city of Ayodhya in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It was allegedly demolished at the behest of top Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders, several cases have been lodged since then against various people including political outfits and BJP, VHP leaders. Its a welcome step by the Supreme Court, the matter I believe can be resolved out of court: Uma Bharti on SC Ayodhya matter pic.twitter.com/V4uJdJSLmi — ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017 × The Chief Justice of India has offered to act as the mediator in the Ayodhya Case. Here's more to this story (WION) × (WION with agency inputs)

Settle Ayodhya dispute amicably: Supreme Court

Muslim organisations, including Babri Masjid Action Committee were today sceptical about the Supreme Court&#39;s suggestion for talks to resolve the Ayodhya dispute, saying attempts at out-of-court settlement in the past have been unsuccessful.

&quot;We are ready with Chief Justice (of India) mediating... we trust him. We are also ready we if he nominates a team for hearing the matter. But out of court settlement is not possible. If SC passes an order in this regard, we will look into it,&quot; said Zafaryab Jilani, Convenor of the Committee which is a party to the case.

His comments came against the backdrop of the apex court earlier in the day asking parties concerned to sit together to arrive at a consensus on Ayodhya issue, which has been dragging on for decades.

&quot;It is a sensitive and sentimental issue and it&#39;s best that it is settled amicably,&quot; the SC observed.

Jilani said that going by his experience of last three decades, he feels that the matter cannot be settled outside the court and referred to unsuccessful negotiation attempts made during the tenures of former Prime Ministers Chandrashekhar and P V Narasimha Rao.

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<h5>In 1986, talks started between the then Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti and President Muslim Personal Law Board Ali Miyan Nadvi but it failed,&#39; said Zafaryab Jilani, convenor of the Babri Masjid Action Committee</h5>
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&quot;Let them hear us, we are prepared. But we are not ready for out of court settlement,&quot; Jilani said.

&quot;In 1986, talks started between the then Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti and President Muslim Personal Law Board Ali Miyan Nadvi but it failed.

&quot;Later in 1990, Prime Minister Chandrashekhar, UP Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat talked but no results came. PM Narasimha Rao also constituted a committee and attempts of talks were made through Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahai but in 1992 the mosque was demolished,&quot; he said.

He said after the demolition, the then Muslim Personal Law Board President Rabe Hasan Nadvi had sought a written proposal from Shankaracharya of Kanchi in which he said Muslims should leave claim on three mosques, which was not acceptable.

The Secretary General of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Maulana Wali Rahmani, said, &quot;We have trust in the Chief Justice and if he is there we are ready for talks.&quot;

&quot;Talks were held earlier also but it can be initiated again. But talks should not be long,&quot; he added.

Maulana Khalid Rashid of the AIMPLB alleged that the attempts in the past to resolve the issue were foiled by political parties.

&quot;Negotiation have been made in the past a number of times between the two parties. But each time, political parties foiled our attempts...(So), we are of the view that let the Supreme Court decide once and for all,&quot; Maulana Khalid Rashid of the AIMPLB said.

Rashid, however, said the Board respects the gesture of the CJI and the sentiments of Hindus.

&quot;If the parties wants me to sit with mediators chosen by both the sides for negotiations, am ready to take up the task. Even the services of my brother judges can be availed for the purpose,&quot; Chief Justice J S Khehar, who headed the SC bench, said today.

The Allahabad High Court, had in its verdict on September 30, 2010, directed three-way division of the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya. The verdict was challenged in the apex court.&nbsp;

The Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, welcomed the Supreme Court&#39;s observations.

Talks are the only way out, he said.

&quot;I understand that many rounds of talks have already been held but no concrete solution has come up. Nevertheless, dialogue continues to be the only way out and I welcome the SC observations from that perspective,&quot; he said.

(PTI)

They say it has been tried before, and has failed

Muslim organisations, including Babri Masjid Action Committee were today sceptical about the Supreme Court's suggestion for talks to resolve the Ayodhya dispute, saying attempts at out-of-court settlement in the past have been unsuccessful. "We are ready with Chief Justice (of India) mediating... we trust him. We are also ready we if he nominates a team for hearing the matter. But out of court settlement is not possible. If SC passes an order in this regard, we will look into it," said Zafaryab Jilani, Convenor of the Committee which is a party to the case. His comments came against the backdrop of the apex court earlier in the day asking parties concerned to sit together to arrive at a consensus on Ayodhya issue, which has been dragging on for decades. "It is a sensitive and sentimental issue and it's best that it is settled amicably," the SC observed. Jilani said that going by his experience of last three decades, he feels that the matter cannot be settled outside the court and referred to unsuccessful negotiation attempts made during the tenures of former Prime Ministers Chandrashekhar and P V Narasimha Rao. In 1986, talks started between the then Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti and President Muslim Personal Law Board Ali Miyan Nadvi but it failed,' said Zafaryab Jilani, convenor of the Babri Masjid Action Committee × "Let them hear us, we are prepared. But we are not ready for out of court settlement," Jilani said. "In 1986, talks started between the then Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti and President Muslim Personal Law Board Ali Miyan Nadvi but it failed. "Later in 1990, Prime Minister Chandrashekhar, UP Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat talked but no results came. PM Narasimha Rao also constituted a committee and attempts of talks were made through Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahai but in 1992 the mosque was demolished," he said. He said after the demolition, the then Muslim Personal Law Board President Rabe Hasan Nadvi had sought a written proposal from Shankaracharya of Kanchi in which he said Muslims should leave claim on three mosques, which was not acceptable. The Secretary General of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Maulana Wali Rahmani, said, "We have trust in the Chief Justice and if he is there we are ready for talks." "Talks were held earlier also but it can be initiated again. But talks should not be long," he added. Maulana Khalid Rashid of the AIMPLB alleged that the attempts in the past to resolve the issue were foiled by political parties. "Negotiation have been made in the past a number of times between the two parties. But each time, political parties foiled our attempts...(So), we are of the view that let the Supreme Court decide once and for all," Maulana Khalid Rashid of the AIMPLB said. Rashid, however, said the Board respects the gesture of the CJI and the sentiments of Hindus. "If the parties wants me to sit with mediators chosen by both the sides for negotiations, am ready to take up the task. Even the services of my brother judges can be availed for the purpose," Chief Justice J S Khehar, who headed the SC bench, said today. The Allahabad High Court, had in its verdict on September 30, 2010, directed three-way division of the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya. The verdict was challenged in the apex court. The Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, welcomed the Supreme Court's observations. Talks are the only way out, he said. "I understand that many rounds of talks have already been held but no concrete solution has come up. Nevertheless, dialogue continues to be the only way out and I welcome the SC observations from that perspective," he said. (PTI)

Babri dispute: Muslims sceptical of out-of-court settlement

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