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Ayodhya verdict ‘will impact future generations’ Muslim parties tell Supreme Court

The party said since the judgement will have far-reaching implications, it is for the court to consider the consequences of its historic judgement by moulding the relief in a fashion that will reflect the constitutional values that this great nation espouses.

Ayodhya verdict ‘will impact future generations’ Muslim parties tell Supreme Court

The party workers and cadres have been advised against holding any street processions through sensitive areas to express their feelings. (Supreme Court: AFP)

The Supreme Court on Monday allowed Muslim parties, including UP Sunni Waqf Board, to file their written notes in the contentious Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case, in which they have submitted that the verdict will have “consequences” for the future polity of the country.

The Muslim parties, which had filed the notes in sealed covers to the five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, later issued a statement for the common public.

“The Muslim party contestants before this Hon’ble Court wish to state that: the decision by this Hon’ble Court, whichever way it goes, will impact future generations. It will also have consequences for the polity of this country,” the note prepared by senior lawyer Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for the Muslim parties, said.

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It said that “this court’s decision may impact the minds of millions who are citizens of this country and who believe in constitutional values embraced by all when India was declared a republic on January 26, 1950.”

It said since the judgement will have far-reaching implications, it is for the court to consider the consequences of its historic judgement by moulding the relief in a fashion that will reflect the constitutional values that this great nation espouses.

“We hope that the Court, in moulding the relief, upholds our multi-religious and multicultural values in resolving the issues confronting it. Moulding the relief is the responsibility of this Court, which itself is the sentinel of our Constitution. When moulding the relief, this Court must also consider how future generations will view this verdict,” it said.

A counsel for Muslim parties submitted before a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi that they be allowed to bring their written note on moulding of relief on record for the perusal of the five-judge Constitution bench which had reserved its verdict on October 16 after conducting a 40-day-long hearing in the politically sensitive land dispute case. The five-judge apex court Bench, had given the parties three days to file their written submissions in the matter.

A lawyer for the Muslim parties in the case said that various parties and the top court registry had raised objection to the filing of the written note in sealed cover.

According to Indian Express, the seven mosque parties on Sunday said in a joint, one-page statement on the question of ‘moulding’ of the relief, “Since the judgment of this Court will have far-reaching implications, it is for the Court to consider the consequences of its historic judgment by moulding the relief in a fashion that will reflect the constitutional values that this great nation espouses… we hope that the Court, in moulding the relief, upholds our multi-religious and multicultural values in resolving the issues confronting it.”

“We have now served our written note to all the parties on Sunday,” the lawyer said and asked the bench to direct its registry to take their note on record. The bench which also comprise justices SA Bobde and SA Nazeer, however, pointed out that the contents of the written note, filed in the sealed cover have already been reported in some sections of media.

The parties were asked to give their views on “moulding of reliefs”, which they seek in the vexatious dispute, so that the apex court could narrow down the issues needed to be adjudicated upon.

“That the extent of the suit property is 1480 sq. yards and the petitioner and other Hindus worship in the suit property as deity from time immemorial and proved as believed as birth place of Sri Ram from time immemorial and the birth place of Sri Ram is non-negotiable,” the note filed by senior lawyer CS Vaidyanathan on behalf of the deity and the birthplace said.

Besides the deity other Hindu parties, Nirmohi Akhara and devotee Gopal Singh Visharad,  had also filed their written note on Saturday in this case.

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