SC refuses early hearing in Ayodhya dispute
NEW DELHI: To the disappointment of BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, the Supreme Court today refused to grant urgent hearing to the appeals pertaining to the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi case, saying it was under the wrong impression that he was a party to it and not an intervenor.
Chief Justice J S Khehar, who on March 21 had suggested an out-of-court settlement to the dispute and even offered to mediate between the parties, today told Swamy that the bench came to know through press that he was not a party to the litigation and only an intervenor.
“At the moment we don't have the time. We cannot hear you. We do not have the time right now,” the bench, also comprising Justice D Y Chandrachud, said.
“You did not tell us that you were not a party to the case, we only got to know that from the press,” it said when Swamy mentioned his interim plea for urgent listing.
“I am an intervenor. I am not interested in the property. Let them take it. I only want that the matter be settled as quickly as possible. I want my faith to be protected,” Swamy said, adding he had made it clear that he was on the issue of his fundamental right to worship. (AGENCIES)
