New Delhi: The Centre today moved Supreme Court praying that the status quo on non-disputed land around the disputed site should be lifted and surplus should be handed over to the original owners. In its writ petition, the Centre said it had acquired 67 acres of land around the 2.77 acre Ram Janambhoomi site. Centre has sought restoration of excess vacant land other than the disputed land measuring around 0.313 acres to the owners.

The Centre said that the Ram Janambhoomi Nyas (a trust for construction of Ram Temple) had sought the return of excess land acquired in 1991 to original owners. In 2003, the apex court had ordered that the status quo be maintained with regard to the acquired 67 acre of land around the disputed site.