Muslim parties associated with the legal battle for Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi, Shahi Eidgah Masjid in Mathura and Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, have declined an offer of out-of-court settlement of the three mosques.They have categorically told the court that the cases should be adjudicated by court.
The proposal to settle the three cases through mediation was given by the Supreme Court. Under the process, both parties were asked to approach the Legal Services Authority in their respective districts and give their consent to the authorities about an out-of-court settlement if they were willing to it.
The mediation process was launched under the Supreme Court Action for Mediation, Adjudication and Disputes Harmonisation Across the Nation. The apex court has reportedly given an option to thousands of litigants in property disputes to explore the possibility of an amicable settlement through mediation and get it ratified at a special Lok Adalat to be held on August 21, 22 and 23.
However, the Muslim litigants in all these three cases have rejected the offer, saying that there is no possibility of finding a solution through out-of-court mediation.
AIMPLB spokesperson Dr SQR Ilyas and All India Muslim Majlis Mushawarat (Regd) President Dr Zafarul Islam Khan rejected the mediation proposals of the apex court. Theysaid courts should not abdicate their responsibility to decide such sensitive matters.