Ayodhya dispute: SC concludes hearing; verdict likely by November 17

40-day hearing marred by courtroom drama, contempt of court, threat to advocates and litigants

After hearing arguments from various parties over the past 40 days, the Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday reserved its verdict in the Ayodhya land title dispute case. A five-judge Constitution Bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi, had started daily hearing on the matter from August 6, and midway through the proceedings, requested the advocates to finish their arguments latest by October 18. The judgment in the case is likely to be pronounced by November 17, when CJI Gogoi will demit office.

The five-judge Constitution Bench, which also has Justices S A Bobde, D Y Chandrachud, Ashok