Ayodhya, Sep 16 (IANS): Mahant Bhaskar Das, the main litigant in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi case, passed away here in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. He was 89.

Das, the head of Nirmohi Akhada, was a petitioner in the case since 1959.

He was admitted to a private medical facility on Tuesday following breathing problems where he later suffered a brain stroke.

The seer will be cremated at the Tulsi ghat in Ayodhya later on Saturday, close associates told IANS.

Doctors had earlier advised that he be taken to a super-speciality hospital either in Lucknow or Delhi. However, the ageing priest refused to leave the temple town.

Faizabad MP Lallu Singh, former Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee President Nirmal Khatri and several local Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leaders besides others paid their homage to Das.

All shops in the Hanumangarhi area here have downed their shutters as a mark of respect for Das.

The seer's disciples recalled that he had cordial relations with Hashim Ansari, the other oldest litigant in the case, who passed away in July.