SC likely to conclude hearing in Ayodhya case today

New Delhi: The hearing in Ayodhya title dispute case is likely to end on October 16 instead of October 17, with Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi hinting that the argument in the 70-year-old dispute will come to an end on Wednesday itself.

On the final day of the hearing, the Chief Justice, who heads the five-judge bench hearing the case, has allocated initial 45 minutes to Hindu parties followed by one hour to Muslim side, and then four slots of 45 minute each to assorted parties involved in the matter.

According to lawyers, the apex court has also hinted at taking up the moulding of relief, in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, after the hearing on Wednesday.

"It is unlikely that the court would be able to complete moulding of relief tomorrow (Wednesday). The court would probably allocate sufficient time for it on Thursday and then finally reserve the judgement," said a lawyer involved in the case.

The Chief Justice has asked the lawyers from both sides to judiciously distribute the four 45 minute slots amongst themselves.

In September, the apex court had set October 18 deadline to wrap up hearing followed by moulding of relief in the Ayodhya dispute and accordingly developed a schedule after having a consultation with lawyers from both sides. In October, the apex court revised the deadline to October 17.

After the Muslim side's arguments, three counsels from the Hindu side, which include counsels of Gopal Singh Visharad and Akhil Bhartiya Sri Ram Janam Bhoomi Punarudhar Samit, are likely slotted to present their arguments before the court followed by assorted parties who claimed to be representing clients attached to the matter. Senior advocate Sushil Jain, representing Nirmohi Akhara, is yet supposed yet to make his final argument on the matter.

At the beginning of the day, the Chief Justice rapped some lawyers who wanted to submit documents pertaining to the case. "Go to the Registry and submit these documents, do not do it here," he said.