Indian top court gives Ayodhya holy site to Hindus

The disputed holy site of Ayodhya should be given to Hindus who want a temple built there, India's Supreme Court has ruled.

The case, bitterly contested by Hindus and Muslims for decades, centres on the ownership of the land.

Muslims would get another plot of land to construct a mosque, the court said.

Many Hindus believe the site is the birthplace of one of their most revered deities, Lord Ram. Muslims say they have worshipped there for generations.

At the centre of the row is the 16th Century Babri mosque that was demolished by Hindu mobs in 1992, sparking riots that killed nearly 2,000 people.

Hundreds of people were detained on Friday ahead of the verdict amid fears of violence.