Ayodhya: Negotiations have failed since 1859

A look at the failed attempts at out-of-court settlements in the Ayodhya case.

By Vicky

Updated: Wednesday, March 22, 2017, 15:41 [IST]

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that it preferred an out of court settlement in the Ram Janmabhoomi issue. Some parties are already apprehensive about the negotiations and quote similar instances in the past.

The first attempt to negotiate this matter was made in 1859. The British had tried to negotiate the matter when clashes erupted between the two groups.

Ayodhya: Negotiations have failed since 1859 — Image for representation only.

Negotiations by the British:

Clashes had broken out in 1859 between the two communities. The British intervened and erected a fence to separate the two places. As per the arrangements could not last long as a suit was filed to build a canopy on the Ram Chabutra.

Chandrasekahar:

The next attempt at settling the matter was made in 1990. The then prime minister Chandra Shekhar tried to negotiate, but the talks failed.

P V Narasimha Rao:

The government under P V Narasimha Rao set up a commission to sort out the matter after the Babri Masjid was demolished. The commission, however, gave out its headlines only 17 years later.

A B Vajpayee:

Atal Bihari Vajpayee tried to negotiate the matter. He set up an Ayodhya cell to hold talks with the two sides. However the process never took off.

Attempt by the court:

After the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad high court reserved its verdict, it advised both parties to settle the matter. However both sides did not take the option.

Another failed attempt:

A petition was filed in the Supreme Court to direct an out of court settlement. However,the SC ordered the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court to deliver its verdict.

2015:

Mohammad Hashim Ansari, the oldest litigant, met Akhara Parishad president Mahant Gyan Das attempted to sort out the matter. The formula, however, did not work.