CJI Gogoi cancels foreign visit to ensure Ayodhya verdict before his retirement

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Justice Ranjan Gogoi. File Photo

New Delhi, October 17: Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has reportedly cancelled his foreign tour to dedicate time to writing the politically sensitive case of Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute in Ayodhya.

As per sources, the Chief Justice of India cancelled his multi-nation tour to ensure timely Ayodhya verdict before his retirement on November 17.

Sources said the CJI, who headed a bench on Ayodhya land dispute case in which the judgment was reserved, cancelled his programme due to some exigencies. Gogoi was to travel to some South American countries, Middle East and some other countries before he demits office as CJI on November 17.

The sources also said the CJI cancelled the proposed visits before they were finalised. Gogoi was sworn in as the 46th CJI on October 3 last year.

SC reserves judgment

The Supreme Court had on Wednesday concluded hearing in the case and reserved the judgement. The bench heard for 40 days the arguments of the Hindu and the Muslim sides.

A five-judge Constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, granted three days to contesting parties to file written notes on ‘moulding of relief’ or narrowing down the issues on which the court is required to adjudicate.

The protracted hearing in the Ayodhya dispute had entered the crucial final leg on October 14 when the apex court resumed proceedings on the 38th day after the week-long Dussehra break.

The judgment in the matter is to be pronounced by November 17.

The apex court had on August 6 commenced day-to-day proceedings in the case as the mediation proceedings initiated to find the amicable resolution had failed.

(With PTI inputs)