Cong questions timing of govt's plea in SC on Ayodhya matter

The Congress on Tuesday questioned the timing of the Centre's application in the Supreme Court on the Ayodhya matter seeking permission to return undisputed "surplus" land to its original owners, saying people will decide on the intent of its "sudden" move which has come merely two months before the general elections.

The opposition party, however, said that it has "no opinion" on the plea for a change in status quo that has been maintained for 16 years and it was a matter between the Supreme Court and the Centre.

Congress spokesperson Abhshek Singhvi said the court had in its 2003 order clearly stated that status quo be maintained on undisputed land around the disputed site in Ayodhya and moving an application now raises questions on the government's intentions.

"You will draw your own conclusion, the country will draw its own conclusion.... What is important is that this application is moved on January 29, 2019, 16 years afterwards, in a matter of 2003 where the main writ of 2003 is pending," he told reporters.

"This status-quo has been continued for 16 years. Suddenly and suddenly...you know it better, whether it is because of election or some other reason, we do not know. 16 years later, they say please give me permission two months before elections to give that land to anybody and for that purpose please modify that order.... So, you judge for yourself, but ultimate judge is the Supreme Court," Singhvi said.

The Congress leader also said, "We have nothing to do with this matter which is yet to come up in court. The court will decide... whether application will be allowed, dismissed, or modified, that is between the Supreme Court and the applicant."
On what the Congress felt was the government's intent in moving an application in the case now, he said, "We do not have an opinion and we do not intent to have an opinion on an application by you to be decided by the Supreme Court. Why should I have an opinion? You have to ask this to central government."