Waqf Board submits fresh mediation proposal in Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case

Attempts at finding a mediated resolution of the long-festering Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute are expected to be revived, with Sunni Central Waqf board chairman Zufar Faruqui submitting a fresh proposal before the mediation panel.

Advocate Shahid Rizvi, representing the Waqf board in one of the suits on the matter, told reporters on Thursday that Faruqui had submitted a new proposal in the mediation panel’s report that is with the Supreme Court.

But Rizvi clarified that the board will withdraw the suit only if its “reasonable conditions” are accepted by all the parties. He did not say what these conditions were.

Rizvi said that since this is a civil case the parties, as per the provisions of Civil Procedure Code, can continue mediation efforts and submit a final report before the verdict is pronounced.

He also pointed out that in this case, especially, the five- judge bench had categorically stated that the parties can continue to mediate while the Supreme Court continues its proceedings, and that if the parties reach a mutual decision, a report to that effect can be filed in the apex court.