New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday gave the Centre four weeks to evolve a consensus on erection of a temporary bulletproof steel structure to protect the Ram Lalla idol at Ayodhya from rocket attack.

A Bench consisting of Justices K.G. Balakrishnan and D.K. Jain granted time following a submission made by Additional Solicitor-General Gopal Subramanium, who said the government was still holding talks with the parties concerned and some more time was required to complete the consultation.

It might be given time to come out with proposals.

M.M. Kashyap, counsel for respondent Aslam Bhure, opposing grant of time, said the Centre's application itself was violative of the court orders on status quo.

He alleged that the government was delaying the matter only with an eye on the Uttar Assembly elections due shortly.

Hearing next month

Mr. Subramanimum said the government was willing to give its reply if the respondent gave his suggestions. Counsel agreed to do so and the Bench asked the Centre to file its reply to the suggestions as well as a report on the progress of talks. The matter is listed for hearing in December.

In the application filed in May, the Home Ministry said intelligence inputs warned of a possible attack on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex.

Meanwhile several Muslim organisations voiced their protest against construction of the protective structure, contending that putting up a security cover would violate the court's `status quo' orders. The government informed the court of the talks initiated with the parties concerned.

The Centre said that to avoid any terrorist attack, it was necessary to put up an air-conditioned bulletproof structure measuring 11x11 feet with a height of 7.5 feet. The Home Ministry proposed to have a wooden roof and an internal wall also.

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