New Delhi: Government has filed an application in the Supreme Court seeking lifting of the stay order prohibiting any religious activity in the 77-acre of land acquired by the government after the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

The government, in its application filed in the Supreme Court on February 4, sought lifting of the March 13 order given on the eve of the proposed 'Shiladaan' ceremony prohibiting "any kind of religious activity" in the acquired land.

The government said in the application that in the interim order of March 13 2002, the court had directed listing of main petition filed by Mohd Aslam alias Bhure after 10 weeks.

The government said since the 10-week period has elapsed, the petition should be listed for early hearing.

Aslam, in his petition, has alleged that the proposed shilanyas ceremony was nothing but an attempt by VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) and other religious groups to disturb the peace prevailing in the area.

He had also expressed the apprehension that there were attempts by VHP activists to bring in construction material as well as gather a large number of volunteers to start construction activities on the acquired land.

The government move to file an application before the Supreme Court seeking lifting of the stay was taken immediately after the meeting of the Prime Minister with Kanchi Shankaracharya on February 4.

The move was reportedly also discussed between Law Minister Arun Jaitley and the Shankaracharya.

PTI