Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Tuesday rejected Human Resource Development Minister Murli Manohar Joshi's resignation and asked him to resume work.

The PM conveyed his decision soon after the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court stayed the framing of charges against Joshi in the Babri Masjid demolition case.

Justice Y R Tripathi gave the order on a petition filed by Joshi, challenging the September 19 verdict of the Rae Bareli court to frame charges against him.

The HC also summoned all records of the case from the Rae Bareli court and posted the matter for further hearing on November 4.

Later, Joshi said in a statement that he had accepted with humility Vajpayee's decision.

"The Allahabad high court has stayed the Rai Bareli special court order, which made me submit my resignation to uphold the highest moral traditions.

"I believe and agree with the view that the demolition case is politically motivated and that it does not involve issues of criminal and moral turpitude."

The Ayodhya issue, however, should be resolved at the earliest, the statement said.

Public opinion "favours that building a magnificent temple at the birth place of Sri Ram would bring peace in the country creating emotional bridges of happiness and brotherhood among all citizens", he said.

"Though I never considered myself guilty in the December 6, 1992 incident, I tendered my resignation to honour the court ruling," the minister said.

"The cases filed against me and others in this connection by the then government were motivated by political expediency and vendetta.

"I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to thousands of individuals and organisations who expressed solidarity with me in my decision.

"I am indebted to those who called on me and sent messages expressing their support at this very decisive moment."