Bahadur Shah Zafar’s ‘descendant’ offers gold brick for Ram Temple construction

Prince Habeebuddin Tucy, claiming to be descendant of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor has offered to donate a gold brick for Ram temple construction at Ayodhya. According to IANS report, he wants the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi land to be handed over to him saying he is the rightful owner of the land as a descendant of first Mughal emperor Babar, who constructed Babri Masjid in 1529. The mosque was demolished on December 6, 1992 by hundreds of 'kar sevaks'.

Tucy, had pledged the land for the temple during his visit last year. He had apologized to the Hindu community for destruction of Ram temple. He offered a symbolic apology by placing the 'charan-paduka' on his head.

Tucy said that none of the parties to the case had documents to prove their claim but he as the descendant of Mughals has a right to the land. He said he had already decided to give the entire land for construction of the temple, IANS reported.

The Supreme Court last week had rejected senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan's plea objecting to day-to-day hearing in the politically sensitive Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case and made it clear that it will continue five-days a week hearing as ordered earlier. Dhavan, who is appearing for M Siddiq and the All India Sunni Waqf Board in the infamous Ayodhya land dispute case, moved the petition, saying he will "not be able to assist" if the hearing is "rushed through".

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi, however, assured Dhavan that the top court would consider granting him mid-week break to prepare for arguments. The submission was made by Dhavan on Friday morning when the Supreme Court commenced hearing on the fourth day in the case.

Breaking with the tradition, the top court decided to hear the sensitive case, a day which along with Monday is reserved for fresh cases only. As per the Supreme Court's procedures, on Mondays and Fridays, the registry lists fresh and miscellaneous cases following notice cases before the benches.