Supreme Court orders mediation in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute case

The Supreme Court's (SC) Constitution Bench has referred the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case for court-appointed and time bound mediation in an attempt to find a "permanent solution".

The SC has appointed of three-member panel which will be headed by retired SC judge Justice FMI Kalifullah and will include Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Senior Advocate Sriram Panchu.

The Bench has clarified that the mediation process being held in-camera, its details shall remain confidential and the media will be barred from reporting the mediation proceedings.

The proceedings of mediation are to be held in Faizabad and should begin within a week. The SC has also directed that the process of mediation must be completed within eight weeks.

The apex court has asked the panel to give the first status report on the mediation within four weeks.

Besides, the SC said that mediators can co-opt more on the panel if necessary, directing the Uttar Pradesh government to provide the mediators with all the facilities in Faizabad. The mediators can seek further legal assistance as and when required, the top court added.

A Supreme Court Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and comprising Justices S A Bobde, D Y Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and Abdul Nazeer had reserved their ruling on the matter on March 6.

Welcoming today's developments, spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar tweeted:

Respecting everyone, turning dreams to reality, ending long-standing conflicts happily and maintaining harmony in society - we must all move together towards these goals.#ayodhyamediation

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— Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) March 8, 2019

Meanwhile, the head of the panel Justice FMI Kalifullah told CNN News18, "We will take all efforts to resolve the issue amicably."

Earlier this week, the Hindu plaintiffs had expressed their discontent over mediation saying that the exercise, which has also been carried out in the past, hasn't been effective or conclusive. They had submitted that the matter was not a mere property dispute, but was concerning faith and sentiments.

"The belief that the site is the birthplace of Lord Ram is non-negotiable. We are ready to crowd-fund the construction of a mosque elsewhere", submitted Senior Advocate C S Vaidyanathan, who appeared for the deity.

While, Zafaryab Jilani, representing Muslim litigants told CNN News 18, "SC has referred the matter for mediation. Of course its a welcome initiative. We will cooperate. The Supreme Court has directed us not to say anything outside of court."