Supreme Court aims for October 18 to conclude Ayodhya hearings

The Ayodhya case, which has large socio-political implications, pertains to 2.77 acres of land in the temple town of Uttar Pradesh.

In 2010, the Allahabad High Court divided the land equally among three parties- Nirmohi Akhada, Sunni Waqf Board, and deity Ram Lalla.

The verdict came after the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition, which sparked widespread riots, and the "displeased" parties approached the SC.

Earlier this year, the top court referred the case for mediation and formed a three-member panel, headed by retired SC judge FMI Kalifulla.

Months after talking to all three parties, the panel, also including lawyer Sriram Panchu and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, failed to bring them on the same page.

Thereafter, SC began daily hearings in the case from August 6.

On mediation, the bench said it can continue if the parties want to. The proceedings, like earlier, will remain confidential.

The bench arrived at this conclusion after the panel submitted a memorandum seeking directions on what it should do about the letters it received.

Apparently, the Sunni Waqf Board and Nirvani Akhara want the mediation to restart.

Notably, all the Hindu parties finished their arguments in 16 days, and the Muslim side is yet to do so. SC has asked all the parties to submit a schedule for their arguments.

"Let's make an effort to conclude the same by October 18," CJI Gogoi said, adding that if needed court will have special hearings on Saturdays, or dedicate one more hour everyday.