New Delhi, November 12: The bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Monday rejected a petition which sought early hearing of the Ayodhya title suit case. The CJI categorically ruled out hearing the case before January next year, while putting the plea aside.

The petition was filed by the Hindu Mahasabha, which claimed that the sentiment of Hindu community has been hurt by the unprecedented delay in resolving the Ram Janmabhoomi row. The apex court, however, did not contend and dismissed the plea within a minute after it was tabled for hearing. Acquire Land, Pass Law For 'Ram Mandir Construction', RSS Tells Modi Govt.

On October 29, the CJI-led bench had adjourned the hearing in Ayodhya case till January 2019. When the case will be taken up, the court will first ascertain the bench which would hear the proceedings. This would lead to a further delay, critics have pointed out.

"We will fix the date of hearing of Ayodhya dispute case before the appropriate bench in January... the court has its own priorities," the Chief Justice had said.

On the dismissal of Hindu Mahasabha's petition seeking preponed hearing by the Supreme Court, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said he is still hopeful of a Ram Mandir being built in Ayodhya before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. "It could be through out-of-court settlement or through a legislation," he said while speaking to a news channel.

Senior lawyer Zafaryab Jilani, who has been representing the Muslim side, said attempts are being made to pressurise the judiciary. "We are adhering to the directions of the Supreme Court. No one should criticise the topmost judiciary," he said.

Notably,  a section of BJP lawmakers and allies, along with its ideological mentor the RSS, have called for a special legislation to acquire the disputed land and built a grand Ram temple. However, the legislation-route may fail to yield success as the Opposition outnumbers the government in the Rajya Sabha.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 12, 2018 11:06 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).