#AyodhyaDispute: "Evidence shows Hindu structure existed before Babri"
What's the story
A temple existed at the disputed site in Ayodhya way before Babri Masjid was built at the spot, the lawyer for Ram Lalla Virajman told Supreme Court on Tuesday. Notably, the top court has been hearing the sensitive case on a daily basis for days now. In the latest proceedings, senior lawyer C S Vaidyanathan cited an archaeological report to bolster his arguments.
Dispute
A 2.77 acres plot is at center of Ayodhya dispute
This case concerns 2.77 acres of land in Ayodhya, where Hindu activists believe Lord Rama took human form. After Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992, the matter went to courts. In 2010, Allahabad High Court divided the land equally among Sunni Waqf Board, deity Ram Lalla, and Nirmohi Akhada. Displeased with the verdict, all parties had approached the apex court.
Arguments
ASI findings confirm a large temple existed at site
Referring to the findings of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Vaidyanathan said pillar bases found at the site confirm that a huge temple existed before a mosque was erected. "There is nothing to warrant doubting of the credibility of the report or inferences drawn by ASI," the senior lawyer told a constitutional bench headed by CJI Ranjan Gogoi on the eighth day of the hearing.
Quote
Vaidyanathan said the place should be accorded sanctity
"I submit that artifacts and records clearly point to the fact that Ram Janmbhoomi is the birthplace of Lord Ram and that sanctity needs to be accorded to that place," Vaidyanathan told the bench.
Details
Ayodhya was a place of worship for Hindus, submitted Vaidyanathan
Further, Vaidyanathan said the disputed structure (Babri Masjid) was erected on either the ruins of the temple or by razing it down. "The evidence of a 90-year-old who has seen pilgrims come and go and whose cross-examination in this regard has not yet been shaken is proof that the Ayodhya was a place of worship for Hindus," he went on.
Slab
Vaidyanathan also argued a Vishnu temple existed at spot
Vaidyanathan then went on to say that stone slab, containing Sanskrit inscriptions of 12th century, was recovered from the site. "The verses speak of King Govinda Chandra who ruled Saketa Mandala of which Ayodhya was capital. A big Vishnu temple was built there, the verses say. It is my submission that this Vishnu temple is the structure that was excavated by ASI," he added.
Mediation
To recall, SC agreed to hear dispute after mediation failed
The apex court took over the matter after mediation by a court-appointed panel failed to reach a consensus. Earlier this year, the court formed a three-member committee, headed by former SC judge FMI Kalifulla, with a hope that the issue would be resolved through dialog. The bench had said it was looking for "healing", but the panel couldn't bring all parties on one page.