Katiyar hints at legal battle if Ayodhya suit is lost

NEW DELHI - Hindus locked in the legal tussle over the Ayodhya title suit will approach the Supreme Court if the Sep 24 judicial verdict goes against them, says Hindutva leader Vinay Katiyar.

But Katiyar, now a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) vice president, still feels that an issue concerning the birthplace of Hindu Lord Ram should not have been taken to courts.

“It is a matter of faith and ‘Ram bakhts’ will seek parliament’s intervention if the outcome of the legal course on title suit is not in their favour,” Katiyar told IANS.

A founder member of the Bajrang Dal who played a key role in the campaign leading to the razing of the Babri mosque in Ayodhya in December 1992, Katiyar said the verdict of the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court Friday would be acceptable to all parties.

He said the side which loses the case would have the option to move the Supreme Court.

The Lucknow bench is to deliver judgement in the title suit pertaining to the Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid row.

“Whatever verdict comes… it is causing a dilemma. Issues concerning such places, specially relating to a birthplace, should not have come before court. But if the matter has come to court, the verdict will be acceptable to everyone. Whichever side loses, it can go to the Supreme Court,” said Katiyar.

He said the issue of Lord Ram’s birthplace involved the sentiments of the Hindu community.

“Suppose the Hindus lose in apex court, then Ram bhakts will force the government to bring in law to facilitate construction of a grand temple in Ayodhya,” he said.

The BJP leader appealed to people to maintain peace and calm.

He said the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which led the Ayodhya temple movement in the 1980s and 90s, and holy men linked to the group would meet after the Sep 24 judgement to decide future action.