Verdict in favour of Ram Janambhoomi: Muslims may get one third share

In a historic judgment the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has ruled, by differing majorities on different issues, that the disputed Ran Janambhoomi land may be regarded as the birthplace of Lord Ram. It has dismissed claims of the Sunni Wakf Board to the property with a proviso.

However, by a 2-1 majority, it has also ruled that the land be apportioned in three parts, with one part going to the Nirmohi Akhara and one third to Muslims and the balance to 'Hindus' in general. One judge has rejected all Muslim claims to the property.

As for the category 'Hindus,' this implies that a trust be created which will then act on behalf of the 'Hindus'.

The Nirmohi Akhara has historic claims to the property identified as 'Ram Chabutra' (the Outer Courtyard in the old Babri Masjid precincts) and 'Sita Rasoi.' Its claim to these properties has been recognized.

The court has also ruled that status quo prevail on the site for three months.

Interestingly, submissions made by the Archaeological Survey of India have been accepted 'in toto' as all objections raised against its report, which was submitted in response to court orders, have been dismissed. The ASI had submitted extensive evidence that structures existed underneath the Babri Masjid which pre-dated this structure, suggesting that a temple did indeed exist here which was demolished to create the Babri Masjid.