Durga Idol Height Case: HC Completes Hearing, To Announce Verdict Tomorrow

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Thursday completed hearing of the petition challenging the state government’s curb on the height of Durga idol during Dussera festival and will announce its verdict on Friday.

The Balu Bazar Puja Committee filed the petition in the High Court on Tuesday following a notification issued by Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) on August 9 that the height of the Durga idol will not be more than four feet as part of restrictions due to COVID pandemic.

The SRC had also directed the puja committees of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to perform the rituals of the Goddess behind the curtains at all pandals to prevent congregation.

Protesting against the guidelines, the puja committees of the twin cities and Mahanagar Shanti Committee had held a meeting to hammer out a solution. It was  decided at the meeting to allow the government to reconsider its decision by  September 16.

Meanwhile, Balu Bazar Puja Committee filed the petition in the High Court seeking its direction to the government to withdraw the restriction on idol height and allow the puja to be held as per the 500-year-old tradition.

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