New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) JS Khehar has asked both the parties in the Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute to resolve their differences amicably outside court and has even offered to mediate.
"It is an issue of sentiment. First sit together and sort it out. Moderators from both sides can hold a meeting," Justice Khehar said. This was not a judicial order, but just an offer by the CJI.
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Meanwhile, Subramanian Swamy - whose application to be impleaded as a party had earlier been rejected by the court - suggested the temple should be built at the disputed land and that the mosque be built across the Saryu river.
"The place where Lord Ram was born cannot be changed. Namaz can be done anywhere," Swamy said adding that there were also many from the Muslim side who wanted an amicable solution.
Vinay Katiyar, one of the leaders of the Ram Janmbhoomi movement of the 90s, welcomed the CJI's suggestion.
However, the other side rejected the offer with SQR Ilyas, joint convenor of the Babri Masjd Action Committee, saying talks so far have not yielded any results.
"We don't agree to CJI as mediator. The issue has to be settled on the basis of legal position, not sentiments," Ilyas said.