Out of court settlement on Ayodhya issue best way to maintain social harmony: Cong

In an indirect attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress Party on Tuesday said that the Ram Mandir issue has been a medium to gain power since the last 25 years, adding if both communities mutually agree to settle the matter out of court then it's the best way to maintain social harmony and peace.

"Ram Mandir issue has been a medium to gain power since the last 25 years and also a reason of conflict between both communities in order to gain power. But if both parties mutually agree to settle the matter out of court then it's the best way to maintain social harmony and peace among the people of both the communities," Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told ANI.

"Otherwise the court can listen to both parties and give the verdict accordingly," he added while reacting to the Supreme Court's decision made earlier in the day on the Ayodhya dispute.

The apex court earlier said the Ayodhya dispute is a sensitive and sentimental issue, adding its best that this matter is settled amicably.

The court was hearing a plea of BJP leader Subramanian Swamy today seeking urgent hearing of Ayodhya dispute in the apex court.

The court asked parties concerned to sit together to arrive at a consensus and asked Swamy to consult the parties and inform it about the decision on March 31.

The court also suggested if required, a principal mediator can be chosen by the court for settling the issue. Chief Justice J.S. Khehar said if the parties want him to mediate then he is ready for the task.