The top court was moved for the modification of its March 31, 2003 order, directing the observance of status quo on the acquired 67 acres of undisputed land.

The Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas owns about 42 acres of the undisputed land out of 67 acres which was acquired way back in 1993.

The Nyas has moved the government seeking return of that 42 acres that in the Centre in its application on Tuesday described as "superfluous".

The Centre said that only 0.312 acres of land is disputed. The "central government has no objection in principle if the superfluous land is restored to Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas as well as other original owners after determining the extent of land required for proper access to and enjoyment of rights in the disputed area for preparing and plan maps."

The Centre sought suitable modification/vacation/varying of the March 31, 2003 status quo order, so that it could "discharge its duty" and restore the undisputed land to the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and other original owners.