The Supreme Court on Tuesday commenced hearing in the politically sensitive case of Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute in Ayodhya after the efforts to arrive at an amicable settlement through mediation have failed.
"Let us begin the hearing," said a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi.
As soon as the hearing commenced, the bench - also comprising Justices S A Bobde, D Y Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S A Nazeer - rejected plea for the recording of Ayodhya case proceedings as sought by former RSS ideologue K N Govindacharya.
Check all the live updates here:
1:00 am: The Constitution Bench rises for lunch, hearing to continue at 2 pm.
12:16 am: Before 1934, Muslims were offering regular prayers, HC had noted in verdict: Supreme Court.
12:11 am: Since 1934 to 1949, Muslims were offering Friday prayers at disputed structure, Nirmohi Akhara tells SC on the basis of HC verdict
11:48 am: In any case, you have been given one-third of disputed area in preliminary decree by HC: Supreme Court to Nirmohi Akhara.
11:40 am: Supreme Court asks Nirmohi Akhara to confine its arguments to civil dispute case.
11:35 am: We don't want to curtail anybody's arguments, maintain dignity of court: SC to Rajeev Dhavan, appearing for Muslim party.
11:33 am: Have been possessing, managing and worshipping Ram Lalla since time immemorial at the site, says Nirmohi Akhara.
11:32 am: Nirmohi Akhara claims right over disputed 2.77 acre Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land.
11:28 am: Heated exchange between CJI Ranjan Gogoi and Rajeev Dhavan
11:18 am: Outer courtyard having 'Sita Rasoi', 'Chabutra', 'Bhandar Grah' were in Akhara's possession; never part of dispute in any case: Lawyer.
11:15 am: I am seeking management and possession of area, says Nirmohi Akhara to Supreme Court.
11:15 am: I am making a prayer for removal of the Receiver and giving the custody and management to plaintiff, Sushil Kumar Jain for Nirmohi Akhara.
11:14 am: No Muslims were allowed to enter the structure since 1934 and it has been in exclusive possession of Nirmohi Akhara: Lawyer.
11:07 am: The plaintiffs have been wrongfully deprived of the charge and management of the temple, Sushil Kumar Jain.
11:00 am: Attachment order of 1951 is confined to inner portion, Sushil Kumar Jain for Nirmohi Akahara.
10:55 am: Supreme Court declines the request of KN Govindacharya for audio/video recording and transmission or live streaming of the case, as it is not currently feasible.
10:45 am: Day-to-day hearing begins in the Supreme Court in Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case.