Ayodhya case: Supreme Court rejects Subramanian Swamy's plea of urgent-hearing
What's the story
The Supreme Court today rejected Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Subramanian Swamy's plea for an urgent hearing in the Ayodhya case. Swamy had invoked his fundamental right to 'pray' at the Ram temple, a precinct that has been disputable for more than two decades. Dismissing the petition, the bench of justices told Swamy to mention it later, but he seemed determined.
What happened
Earlier too, Supreme Court had declined Swamy's request
Along with the Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud heard Swamy's plea. Even, in April, this year Swamy's demand for an urgent hearing was declined by SC. Then too, the bench had said, "Not now'" However, Swamy said 'later on' was a subjective statement and he would mention his plea for hearing again, 15 days later.
The case
Swamy filed a writ petition citing his fundamental right
On March 14, a special bench of the CJI and Justices Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer made it clear that only parties of original lawsuits will be allowed to contest in the case. This stopped Swamy and others from intervening. But later, Swamy filed different writ petition saying, "I have a fundamental right to worship and this is a superior right than a property right."
The hearing
Supreme Court likely to hear Ram Mandir case this month
In July, the Supreme Court is likely to hear the Ram Mandir- Babri Masjid dispute. Notably, Allahabad High Court in 2010, equally divided the 2.77 acre Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site among three parties - the Sunni Wakf Board, Ram Lalla (the idol), and Nirmohi Akhara. Earlier, the apex court had said it will consider it just as a property dispute case.
BJP's pet project
While dispute isn't solved yet, BJP-leaders have made tall claims
Though the Supreme Court is yet to arrive at a decision, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the temple will be constructed before 2019 elections. Further, former BJP MP Ram Vilas Vedanti said they don't need the SC's approval for the temple's construction. Uma Bharti also fueled the sentiments by saying she can't wait till 2019 for Ram Mandir.