Ayodhya title case :CJI Ranjan Gogoi threatens to end arguments

NEW DELHI: CJI Ranjan Gogoi on Tuesday threatened to close arguments in the politically contentious Ayodhya title suit hearing by Wednesday, asking all sides now to submit written arguments should they have anything additional to add to their arguments.

The CJI expressed his impatience with the repetitive nature of the arguments put forth before the five-judge bench which is hearing the case.

The bench also has been intervening in constant bickering between lawyers of opposing sides to soothe frayed tempers and ensure a smooth hearing.


The hearing in the case has so far extended to 39 working days. The marathon hearings include sitting beyond court hours of 10 to 4, till 5 pm, with a lunch break from 1 to 2. Gogoi had earlier asked all sides to wrap up arguments by October 18 to give the bench enough time to come up with a ruling before he demits office on November 17.

The CJI has now asked all sides to wrap up the hearing by Wednesday.

Those who are yet to be heard include BJP leader Subramanian Swamy. The Nirmohi Akhara is expected to conclude its arguments on Wednesday. Senior advocate Sushil Kumar Jain, who was appearing for the Akhara, has lost his mother and hence could not appear in the court on Tuesday. The Sunni Central Waqf Board will get an hour to give a rejoinder.