Wrap-up: Temple issue is back in focus

The issue of Ram Mandir, which had taken a backseat of late, is back on the national stage as the Bharatiya Janata Party has a majority both at the Centre and the state in question, Uttar Pradesh.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday suggested an out-of-court settlement of the Ram Janmabhumi- Babri Masjid dispute.

Observing that the sensitive religious issue involving faith must be sorted out through talks between the parties, the court indicated that one of its judges can be spa-red to mediate between the parties.

The two major national parties, meanwhile, welcomed the top court’s suggestion. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said aggrieved parties should keep in mind the “sensitivity” while discussing the matter.

The Congress, however,  came out with a guarded response, saying there should be a “consensus-based” solution.

“If stakeholders on both the sides can arrive at a mutually acceptable solution, it will go a long way in ensuring lasting peace, and brotherhood. Otherwise, the SC should adjudicate the issue on merit,” said Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala.

AIMIM chief, however,  Asaduddin Owaisi ruled out the possibility of an out-of-court settlement. He said that the case is about the title to the land, which the Allahabad HC has decided wrongly.