NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court verdict on theAyodhyacase has resulted in“ surprise and pain ”even if parts of the ruling were favorable for Muslims, theAll India Muslim Personal Law Boardhas said, even as opinion over seeking a review seems to be divided within various Muslim groups.
The AIMPLB said the SC has given the land ofBabri Masjidfor the Ram temple by exercising its “extraordinary discretionary powers which is painful”. While urging the Muslim community to exercise restraint, the Board is now exploring if they should file a review petition in the matter.
However, the UP Central SunniWaqfBoard, which was one of the main parties in the Ayodhya litigation, does not intend to seek a review. Its chairman Zufar Faruqui welcomed the SC verdict and said “The Board has no plans to challenge it.” Faruqui said the verdict is being studied after which the Board will issue a detailed statement.
President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Sadatullah Hussaini said the organization will explore the option of a curative petition in consultation with AIMPLB. Another prominent petitioner in the case, Jamiat Ulama -i- Hind led by Maulana Arshad Madani, is not open to the idea of a review for now. Even within the AIMPLB, some members are sceptical of the utility of seeking a review beyond a technicality.
Arshad Madani had in press conference on Wednesday said his organization will accept the judgement whatever it maybe even as it felt that the Babri Masjid would always exist. On Saturday, Madani simply said, “The SC judgement is contrary to our expectations but I appeal to all for peace and harmony and that the judgement should not be seen from the point of view of victory or defeat.”
Soon after the judgement, at a press conference, Zafaryab Jilani, secretary AIMPLB, clearly stated his dissatisfaction with the ruling. “We respect the verdict but the judgement is not satisfactory. We will file a review petition if our committee agrees on it. It is our right and it is in Supreme Court’s rules as well. ”
To drive home its point of view that the case was decided on the basis of SC’s “special discretionary powers” despite facts placed before the Court, AIMPLB in its statement said, “various findings recorded in the judgement are in favor of the Muslim parties. The contention that the mosque was constructed in 1528 and namaz offered there till December 1949, have been accepted by the Court. The Court has also accepted the fact that the masjid / building was used as a mosque after 1856 till 1949, ”AIMPLB said.
A prominent AIMPLB member Kamaal Faruqi said he was “saddened” by the judgement and any decision on whether a review petition will be filed will be taken only after a discussion in the Board.
Meanwhile, National Commission for Minorities chief Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi condemned Jilani and AIMPLB’s position on seeking a review. “The judgement is a welcome development as it brings closure to an issue that has been simmering for too long. Muslims will not fall into this trap as they want to move forward. ”
Minority affairs ministerMukhtar Abbas Naqviissued a statement saying the judgement on the decades old matter should be welcomed and respected. This judgement should not be seen as anyone’s victory or defeat.
In Video:Not satisfied, but respect Ayodhya verdict: AIMPLB
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings