The city heaved a weary sigh of relief on Tuesday afternoon after the Supreme Court declined to defer the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi verdict, which is now due on September 30. Religious groups, politicians, as well as most Mumbaikars said they prefer to see the end of the contentious issue, which has been festering for the last 61 years.
Many felt that the uncertainty about the date of the verdict was affecting business and travel, and life in general. “Any announcement about the verdict date brings businesses to a halt in cities and towns. This is causing losses of hundreds of crores of rupees. People are postponing travel, weddings and other functions because of the uncertainty,” said Ebrahim Tai of Muslim Council Trust.
The mood among the city’s Muslims changed from uncertainty to expectation after the apex court’s decision was announced. “It is high time the issue is resolved, irrespective of the verdict is,” said Sharafat Ali, a retired headmaster.
Maulana Mohammad Saeed Noori of Raza Academy, a Barelvi group, too, said that a quick verdict could defuse the long-drawn tensions. “Children are forever asking whether it is a safe day to go to school. The issue was the cause of terrible riots earlier and should not be allowed to fester. Once the verdict is announced, life and work can go on as usual,” said Noori.
Call centre executive Aamir Naseem agreed. “Let’s just hear the judgment and get on with our lives. This issue has been dragging on for just too long,” he said.
Gulzar Azmi, secretary of Jamiatul Ulema, said while the Supreme Court’s decision is welcome, it would have been better if it had dismissed the petition the day it was introduced.
“As far as Muslims are concerned, we have been patient and will continue to be so. It was a decision taken on December 23, 1949, that we will accept whatever the judiciary has to say,” said Azmi.
Zainul Abedin of Maharashtra Shia Isna Ashari Jamaat described the uncertainty over the verdict as a ‘sword hanging over people’s heads’. “The dispute dates back to 1949, and since it has not been possible to settle the matter out of court, the court should announce its verdict on the issue,” said Abedin.
Dr Zeenat Shaukat Ali, head of department of Islamic studies at St Xavier’s College, said that while a verdict will bring a judicial end to the contest, both communities will have to show a lot of magnanimity after it is pronounced.
“I am glad that the SC has asked the lower court to deliver its judgment,” she said. “We are putting a piece of land before people. Whatever the judgment, one group will be unhappy with it. It will be a magnanimous act if the groups say ‘Take the land and stay my brother’,” said Ali.
