India: Places of Worship Act: SC asks Centre to file affidavit by Dec 12 on pleas challenging its validity

Babri mosque demolition

New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Monday granted time till December 12 to the Centre to file a comprehensive affidavit to petitions challenging the validity of certain provisions of a 1991 law, which prohibit filing of a lawsuit to reclaim a place of worship or seek a change in its character from what prevailed on August 15, 1947.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice J B Pardiwala took note of the submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, that the reply could not be filed and the matter can be taken up later.

“I need to consult with the Government for filing a detailed counter. If some time can be given,” the law officer said.