Ayodhya hearing petition rejected

The Supreme Court in India has rejected an appeal by the government to bring forward a hearing on whether to lift a ban on religious activities at the disputed holy site at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

The government is seeking to end the restrictions, which were imposed in March last year, ahead of a planned ceremony by Hindu nationalists to begin construction of a Hindu temple there.

Ten years ago, Hindu extremists destroyed the ancient Babri mosque on the site, sparking communal riots in which about 2,000 people died.

The opposition and Muslim groups have criticised the government for seeking to bring forward the case, which is due to be heard on Friday next week.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service