India’s Supreme Court on Monday deferred hearings on a long-standing dispute between Hindus and Muslims over a holy site, leading to criticism by ruling Hindu Nationalist Politicians and Groups.

The 15th-century Babri mosque in the northern town of Ayodhya was pulled down by Hindu fanatics in 1992, sparking widespread riots in which more than 2,000 people died.

Hindus claim a temple to their god Ram predated the mosque and want to build a temple at the site, while Muslims want a new mosque.

Early hearings were likely to benefit the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, whose leaders promised supporters that a temple will be built in Ayodhya, as it was expecting a favourable verdict before national elections in May.

The court said it will decide in January the date for hearings in the land dispute, which means it is unlikely that a verdict will come before May, lawyers told reporters.

“Hindus are losing patience now. I’m afraid what the consequences will be,’’ federal minister Giriraj Singh said over repeated adjournments in the case.

Monday’s developments could mean greater pressure on the government from its hardline Hindu affiliates to bring an executive order to build a temple at the site.

The dispute is among the most divisive issues in India in recent decades.

The case has been in the Supreme Court since 2011, when it suspended a high court ruling that the disputed site be split into three parts, with one portion going to the Muslims and others to Hindus.

Hindu and Muslim groups challenged the verdict and appealed to the Supreme Court, which criticised the ruling and said the high court overstepped its authority by ordering the partition. (Dpa/NAN)

– Oct. 29, 2018 @ 13:05 GMT |