SC reserves verdict on plea to refer 1994 judgment on namaz to a larger bench

The Supreme Court on Friday reserved its verdict on a plea made by Muslim parties in the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case to refer a 1994 judgement holding “mosque is not an essential part of the practise of Islam” to a larger bench.

The decision was preceded by a high-voltage exchange between the lawyers with one side objecting to senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan’s remarks made during the hearing on July 13.

Advocate Hari Shankar Jain, representing a Hindu organisation, accused Dhavan of targeting “Hindus.” “This forum is being used to abuse us,” Jain claimed. Dhavan had on the last date said the mosque in Ayodhya was destroyed by “Hindu Taliban” like the Buddha statue in Bamiyan (Afghanistan) was brought down by the Taliban.

Dhavan stuck to his stand and said the demolition of the mosque on December 6, 1992 was an “act of terrorism” and that “Hindu Taliban” was responsible for it.

A group of lawyers joined Jain. Senior advocate CS Vaidyanathan, for a Ram Lala deity, also took strong exception to Dhavan’s statement. Advocates said in a chorus: “You cannot blame all Hindus.” Dhavan shot back.

“I am only referring to those who destroyed the mosque.”