NEW DELHI: Main Hindu and Muslim parties on Saturday filed their final pleas in the Supreme Court in the vexed 70-year-old litigation for ownership of 1500 square yards of Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land , which is part of the 2.77 acre disputed area acquired by the Centre in 1993 after demolition of the mosque in December, 1992.

This signals the end of proceedings in the cross-appeals filed by the main parties - Gopal Singh Visharad (1950), Nirmohi Akhara (1959), Sunni Wakf Board (1961) and Ram Lalla through next friend (1989) - challenging the Allahabad HC's September 30, 2010 judgment dividing the disputed land into three equal parts -one each to Ram Lalla, Akhara and the Wakf Board.

Muslim parties filed their submissions in a sealed cover.

Sources said they pleaded that the entire disputed land should be decreed in their favour for reconstructing Babri Masjid , which was "illegally demolished in contravention of status quo orders of HC and SC in blatant violation of constitutional mandate of secular governance by UP government", and to set an example for upholding secularism.

The VHP-backed suit filed by the deity through next friend submitted that Ayodhya is a holy pilgrimage for Hindus, who believe worship at Ayodhya will help them attain 'moksha' (salvation). "The basis of suit filed on behalf of the deity is to build a grand temple of Lord Ram. In case equity is exercised in any manner then it would impinge sacredness of the place, which besides the disputed site, is filled with holy sites, and detract from ability to construct grand temple including all associated and sacred sites which are integral to the shrine," it said.

The deity's counsel said Nirmohi Akhara has disentitled itself of 'shebait' rights by filing claim adverse to that of deity and by questioning the juristic status of 'Ram Janmasthan'.

Citing ASI evidence about massive Hindu structures resembling temples beneath the disputed site, the deity's counsel said: "Muslim parties are not entitled to any equitable relief, more so when the structure is no longer existent. To pray for reconstruction of the mosque is inequitable and unjust and contrary to Hindu Dharma, Islamic Law and all principles of equity, justice and good conscience."

Nirmohi Akhara stuck to its stand that in any scenario that could emerge after the verdict, it is the only one with proof of being the deity's sole 'shebait' and that no counterevidence was produced by any party. It questioned how a next friend of deity could approach the court when there had been no complaint against Akhara in carrying out the shebait duties and rituals of the deity.

Gopal Singh Visharad's counsel said Muslims offered prayers at Babri Masjid last on December 16, 1949 and hence Sunni Wakf Board's suit, filed after the limitation period of 12 years, on December 18, 1961, was time-barred.

