Supreme Court Extends Ayodhya Mediation Till Aug. 15

Panel claims 'progress' in talks: next meeting with stakeholders to be held in June

- Krishnadas Rajagopal

A five-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, on Friday gave the Supreme Court-appointed mediation committee time till August 15 to continue with its efforts to resolve the prolonged and strife-ridden Ayodhya title dispute.

"We do not want to shortcircuit the mediation process. We will extend the time in order to enable the committee to complete the task assigned to it." Chief Justice Gogoi addressed the parties in the courtroom.

Interim report

The committee filed an interim report, dated May 7, with the Constitution Bench.

Sources said the panel conveyed that "progress" was being made in the talks, and it was meeting with the parties. The next meeting is in June.