The Supreme Court is finally going to hear the politically sensitive Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute which has been hanging fire for months despite completion of procedural formalities, including translation of documents and filing of affidavits, counter-affidavits and rejoinders.

During a hearing lasting barely 30 seconds, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul on Friday said the order on hearing cross-appeals against the 2010 verdict of the Allahabad High Court will be passed by an “appropriate Bench” on January 10.

It means the CJI will constitute before January 10 a new Bench which will decide 14 cross-appeals against the HC order dividing the disputed land equally between Ram Lalla, Nirmohi Akhara and Sunni Wakf Board.