Ayodhya dispute: AIMPLB ready for out-of-court settlement under SC directives in Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid case

Lucknow: A day after the Supreme Court called for amicably settling the long-pending Ayodhya dispute, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Wednesday said that it is ready for an out-of-court settlement under the watchful eyes of the apex court in the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid case.

We are ready for an out-of-court settlement under the directives of the Supreme Court in the Ram Mandir case, Maulana Khalid Rasheed of AIMPLB was quoted as saying by ANI.

All India Muslim Personal Law Board ready for out of court settlement under SC directives in Ram Mandir case: Maulana Khalid Rasheed, AIMPLB pic.twitter.com/MLmVDuMQts — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 22, 2017

Earlier, another Muslim cleric Maulana Suhaib Qasmi had too vouched for an out-of-court settlement.

Qasmi said in the court someone has to lose and in such sensitive cases like the Ram Temple issue, view of both sides should be taken into consideration before arriving on to a conclusion.

The BJP and its parent organisation Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) had on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court ruling on the long-pending Ram Temple-Babri Masjid dispute in Ayodhya, saying negotiations were the best way to resolve it.

However, the Wakf Board rejected the apex court suggestion for out-of-court settlement, stating that the case has been in the court for long.

"An amicable solution is impossible. This has to be dealt in the court itself. After all, it is long pending in the court," Zafaryab Jilani, Convenor of the Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC), said.

The reactions in the case have come after the Chief Justice of India (CJI) JS Khehar asked both the parties in the Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute to resolve their differences amicably outside court and has even offered to mediate.

"Give a bit, take a bit. Make an effort to sort it out. These are issues best decided jointly," Justice Khehar said.

"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.