In deciding the Ayodhya title suit case, the Supreme Court will cross the threshold of deciding whether the title suit hearing relied on a 1994 decision in M Ismail Faruqui case which held that mosque is not integral to Muslim faith.
Appearing for the Muslim side, senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan said the 1994 decision “ruled” Islam which is a congregational religion. He said, “Mosques are not built for fun. If it is not an essential feature of Muslim faith, then why do people go to mosquesIJ If the congregational part of Islam is taken away, an essential part of Islam collapses. These sweeping statements cannot be accepted.”
Dhavan argued that setting aside this ruling was essential as it went to the heart of the title suit decision where the Ramjanmbhoomi-Babri Masjid property was apportioned between the Muslim side, Hindu side and Nirmohi Akhara. The Bench headed by CJI Dipak Misra said it will examine this issue and posted the matter for hearing on July 13. The UP Government accused the Muslim side of delaying hearing in the “long-pending” case.
Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for UP Government, said almost a century has elapsed in wait of a final adjudication to this dispute.