Babri Masjid dispute: SC to commence hearing after gap of 7 years

After a gap of seven years, the Supreme Court will on Friday commence hearing of the vexed Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. The verdict is not expected anytime soon as the litigation has records dating back to the 16th Century and written in several languages, including Arabic and Persian.

First, they all have to be translated into English for the court. The three-judge bench will be headed by Justice Dipak Misra, the senior most judge in the Supreme Court who is set to take charge as India's 45th Chief Justice on August 28. The sole Muslim judge of the SC Justice S Abdul Nazeer is also part of the bench.

In September 2010, a three judge Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad HC had given a unanimous decision that Lord Ram was born under the central dome of the makeshift temple and Hindus have right to worship there. On an appeal by Muslim bodies, SC had stayed implementation of the HC decision soon after.

The case has remained in limbo ever since. The High Court had also directed that the controversial land of 2.77 acres at Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid be divided equally among Ram Lalla, Sunni Waqf Board and Nirmohi Akhara, the parties to the suit.