Ayodhya Mediation : Include 2 Retired SC Judges In Panel; Shift Venue To Delhi, Nirmohi Akhara Seeks Modifications

Nirmohi Akhara, the original plaintiffs in one of the title suits in the Ayodhya-Babri Masjid land dispute, yesterday filed an application seeking modifications in the March 8 order of the Supreme Court Constitution Bench which had referred the matter to mediation.

The Akhara, which claims to have been looking after the best interests of the deity Ram Lalla and Ram Janmabhoomi as its Shebait since time immemorial, says that proceedings before the mediation panel on March 13 "left a lot to be desired".

It said that more than 25 parties along with counsel appeared before panel.The Akhara has suggested that as a first measure the original parties in the suits who claim title - the Akhara and the UP Sunni Waqf Board- should be encouraged to have dialogues with each other under the aegis of the panel, without having to give any proposal in writing. 

It has also suggested including two more retired Supreme Court judges in the panel. Also, it has requested for change of mediation venue from Faizabad( the place where disputed land is located) to New Delhi or some other neutral place, where adequate and genuine security can be offered to the concerned parties.

The mediation proceedings are slated to continue on March 27, 28 and 29. 

On March 8, the the five-judge bench constituted a three-member panel to be headed by (retd.) Justice F. M Khalifullah to explore a mediated settlement of the issue.Art of Living' founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and Senior Advocate Sri Ram Panchu were the other members. The panel has been given eight weeks' time by the SC to finish the process. 

Read Application