India News

Mixed response to CJI’s proposal on Ayodhya

Published

9 years ago

March 21, 2017

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A significant section of the political and religious leadership desires that the top court intervene to resolve the controversy

By an APN correspondent

The observations of the Chief Justice of India, JS Khehar, in the Ram Mandir case have generated a mixed response among the political leadership and the Hindu and Muslim communities, with a significant section desiring that the top court intervene to resolve the controversy.

The Supreme Court on March 21 extricated itself from initial wrangles by suggesting that the two parties sit and settle the issue, bringing the issue to court only if it is still essential at a later stage.

“Whoever you want we will ask him to mediate. If you want me I will come. If you want my sitting brother judges, you take them, but mediate. These kinds of issues should be mediated rather than we passing an order,” the CJI had said.

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, who had filed the appeal, however, had his reservations vis-à-vis this proposition. He told the media that the Ramjanambhoomi in Ayodhya should be used only for constructing the Ram Temple.

“Masjid can be built anywhere, Namaz can be read anywhere… it can be read on the street. The Ramjanambhoomi is for the Ram Mandir and it should be used for the Ram temple only,” Swamy said.

He said there’s a proposal to let the mosque be constructed across the Saryu river. He expected that the Supreme Court will appoint a judge from the top court itself to mediate between the rival parties.

Rakesh Sinha, an RSS ideologue, opined the Ram temple may be constructed in three different ways—by passing an Act in the parliament, through dialogue or through a court order.

But, senior advocate Zafaryab Jeelani, who has been associated with the matter right from the start, was against an out-of-court settlement. “We [Muslims] have faith on the CJI. He may mediate in the matter himself or nominate other judges for the purpose. He may even hear the case. But we can’t go for an out-of-court settlement. We will definitely consider any order passed by the CJI in this regard,” he said.

Iqbal Ansari, son of Hashim Ansari, the late main plaintiff in the case, told the media that a peaceful settlement should be arrived at. “A compromise is possible if both the communities agree to it,” he said.

Senior BJP leader Vinay Katiyar, who has been involved in the Ram Mandir agitation for years, however, said that the Supreme Court has taken a very positive stand. “We now have a BJP government in the state and we will work with a positive mindset towards a solution,” he said.

Rajeev Shukla from Congress said that both the parties in the dispute have expressed their readiness to accept the court’s opinion. “Now both should study the proposal and implement the same,” he said.

Meanwhile, All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahli said that he respects the CJI’s observations but still felt that the court should decide the matter. “The ulema will sit together and formulate a collective opinion. But similar efforts earlier were marred by political interference. Since the issue is related to property, we desire that the Supreme Court should decide the matter,” he said.

Maulana Yasoob Abbas, spokesperson of All India Shia Personal law Board, welcomed the CJI’s observations and said that all outstanding issues can be resolved through dialogue only. “Neither Hindus or Muslims want to be entangled in any controversy. Everybody wants to raise themselves above the religious divide and desire development and progress,” he said.

President of All India Imam Association Maulana Umair Ilyasi expressed that it would be nice if the issue is resolved through peaceful means. “It should be resolved through dialogue between imams and pujaris,” he said.

Senior BJP leader LK Advani has welcomed the move and said that everyone involved should come to a consensus on the matter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Up Next

FBI to probe Trump’s Russia connection

Don't Miss

Settle Ram Mandir matter through mediation, says SC

India News

Air India sacks Phuket-Delhi flight pilot after failing drug test

Air India has terminated the Phuket-Delhi flight pilot after a confirmatory test found a psychoactive substance following the August 4 incident.

Published

1 hour ago

September 4, 2026

APNLive Desk

Air India has terminated the employment of the pilot-in-command of a Phuket-Delhi flight after he tested positive for a psychoactive substance.

The pilot was in command of flight AI2379, which was travelling from Phuket to Delhi on August 4 when the aircraft suddenly lost altitude over Odisha. The incident left 24 passengers injured.

Air India said the termination was in line with its zero-tolerance policy regarding safety violations and regulatory requirements.

Air India terminates pilot with immediate effect

In a statement, the Tata-owned airline said the pilot-in-command had tested positive for a psychoactive substance.

The airline said that, considering its zero-tolerance approach to violations related to safety, fitness and regulatory requirements, the pilot’s employment had been terminated with immediate effect.

Air India also said it continues to cooperate fully with the investigation into the incident and has provided access to relevant operational, maintenance and technical records.

What happened on the Phuket-Delhi flight?

According to the preliminary findings of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), the Airbus A320 was carrying 145 people when it experienced the near-simultaneous loss of all three hydraulic systems while cruising at around 36,000 feet.

The technical failure resulted in the autopilot disconnecting and triggered a brief stall warning. The aircraft subsequently lost altitude, resulting in injuries to 24 passengers.

The preliminary report also noted that the pilot tested non-negative for a psychoactive substance in a confirmatory test.

However, the report did not establish that the pilot’s drug-test result caused or contributed to the hydraulic system failure or the subsequent loss of altitude.

AAIB recommends action over psychoactive substance finding

The AAIB described the confirmation of psychoactive substance use as a serious concern and recommended that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) take appropriate action against the pilot on priority.

The investigation into the technical and other aspects of the incident is still underway.

The preliminary report also noted that the co-pilot was flying the aircraft when the incident occurred and attempted to bring the situation under control.

Air India said safety remains its highest priority and that its pilots undergo training, proficiency checks, medical examinations and other regulatory assessments in accordance with applicable requirements.

India News

India offers forensic DNA support to identify Nepal flood victims

India will make forensic laboratory facilities available for DNA profiling of first-degree relatives of people missing after Nepal’s August 26 flash floods.

Published

6 hours ago

September 4, 2026

APNLive Desk

India has offered forensic laboratory support to help identify people who remain missing after the devastating flash floods in Nepal.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said central and state forensic laboratories in India will make their DNA profiling facilities available for first-degree biological relatives of people missing after the August 26 flash floods in Nepal.

DNA samples can be provided by relatives in India

According to the MEA, first-degree biological relatives living in India can have their biological samples collected and DNA profiles prepared.

The relatives can include a person’s father, mother, son, daughter or sibling. DNA profiling can be carried out at Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs), State Forensic Science Laboratories (SFSLs), laboratories of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), and NABL-accredited laboratories with DNA profiling capabilities.

The initiative is intended to support Nepal’s ongoing process of identifying mortal remains recovered after the flash floods.

DNA profiles to be compared with unidentified remains

The MEA said the DNA profiling may use Autosomal STR DNA profiling, as advised by Nepal Police, subject to the technical requirements communicated by the Nepali authorities.

Once prepared, DNA profiles and the preliminary information required by Nepalese authorities can be sent to Nepal Police by email for comparison with DNA profiles obtained from unidentified mortal remains.

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu will also facilitate coordination, with copies of the DNA profiles to be shared with the embassy for this purpose.

Nepal flood death toll rises

The death toll from the flash floods has risen to at least 1,259, according to Nepalese authorities, after rescue workers recovered additional bodies from affected areas.

More than 12,000 people have been rescued, while around 5,000 people remain missing as search and rescue operations continue.

The flash floods, which followed an ice-rock avalanche near the Nepal-Tibet border, caused extensive destruction across towns and villages in northern and central Nepal.

India News

PM Modi hails ISRO after successful GSLV-F17 launch, calls it proud moment

PM Modi congratulated ISRO after GSLV-F17 successfully launched EOS-05, calling the achievement a proud moment for India.

Published

11 hours ago

September 4, 2026

APNLive Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) after the successful launch of the GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite, describing the achievement as a proud moment for the nation.

The GSLV-F17 lifted off at 2:55 a.m. IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The EOS-05 satellite was subsequently placed into its designated sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit.

PM Modi praises ISRO’s growing capabilities

In a post on X, PM Modi said the successful mission reflected the excellence, innovation and expanding capabilities of India’s space sector.

Yet another outstanding achievement by ISRO and a proud moment for our nation.

The successful launch of GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05, India’s first-ever imaging satellite from Geosynchronous orbit is a reflection of the excellence, innovation and growing capabilities that define… https://t.co/fXzwnSmwAF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2026

He also highlighted the growing partnership between ISRO and Indian industry, saying it was strengthening India’s space programme and expanding capabilities across the wider space ecosystem.

The prime minister described the successful launch of GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05 as another outstanding achievement by ISRO and a matter of national pride.

EOS-05 strengthens earth observation capabilities

According to the report, EOS-05 is India’s first-ever imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit. The satellite is designed to provide continuous observation of the country from an altitude of nearly 36,000 km above Earth.

The mission is expected to strengthen India’s earth observation capabilities and support advanced imaging and observation applications.

ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan expressed satisfaction with the mission, saying the satellite was precisely injected into its intended orbit.

Mission Director Thomas Kurian described the launch as a significant milestone for the GSLV programme. He said it was the 19th flight of the GSLV and noted that EOS-05 is the heaviest satellite the launch vehicle has placed into a geosynchronous transfer orbit or sub-GTO orbit.

GSLV-F17 launch vehicle details

The GSLV-F17 stands 51.7 metres tall and has an approximate liftoff mass of 420.5 tonnes.

Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh also congratulated the ISRO team following the successful mission. He described EOS-05 as a state-of-the-art Earth observation satellite capable of advanced imaging across visible, infrared, multispectral and hyperspectral bands.