Mosque invaluable, even 500 acres unacceptable: Jilani
New Delhi: Terming the historic Babri Masjid at the disputed site in Ayodhya as “invaluable”, Sunni Waqf Board lawyer Zafaryab Jilani on Saturday said that construction of another mosque on another location, as ruled by the Supreme Court in its verdict, was “unacceptable”.
“A mosque is invaluable. What is five acres? Even 500 acres is unacceptable,” Jilani said when asked about the Supreme Court verdict that gave the disputed land in Ayodhya to the Hindus for construction of a temple and five acres of alternate land to the Muslims for a mosque.
“The Sharia does not allow us to give the mosque to anyone, not even as a gift,” added Jilani. He said the final decision on accepting the land will be taken by the Sunni Waqf Board.
Jilani maintained that the Board respects the Supreme court, but disagreeing with the judgement is every citizen’s right. “We respect the judgement but we are not satisfied. The judgement is not as per our expectations,” he said.
“After today’s order, it looks like we will file a review petition. But a final decision will be taken only after consultation with our legal team,” he added.
“Today’s observation by the Chief Justice of India will go a long way in the nation’s welfare,” Jilani further said.
Rajiv Dhawan, the other lawyer who represented the Muslims or the Sunni Waqf Board, evaded a reply.
