SC declines petition on construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday to entertain a petition by an architect seeking permission for the construction of Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.

"There was a disputed structure and at this stage we cannot direct the construction to anyone. The present prayer cannot be allowed," a Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said.
     
However, the petitioner, Mukesh Chauhan sought the indulgence of the Bench to give reason for not entertaining his petition.
     
When the Bench, also comprising Justices R V Raveendran and J M Panchal, pointed out that there were other matters pending on the Ayodhya dispute, he said "it was not a legal reason for rejecting his petition".
     
However, Chauhan, who claimed to have designed temples in many towns in India, Mauritius and London, continued with his submission that the court can grant approval for the construction of the temple.
     
At this stage, the Bench wanted to know from him whom should it give approval for the construction.

Chauhan responded by saying the approval could given to anybody responsible for the movement on Ram temple.
   
"Be it Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), Hindu Mahasabha, Ram Lala trust, any other Hindu organisation or even to him," he said.

The Bench replied "we cannot grant approval to you".
   
"Suppose communal riots breake out, can you take the responsibility. Can you take care of law and order problem in such a situation," the Bench finally said dismissing the plea.

However, the architect stopped his submission only after saying "it was a negative attitude."