Puri: Amid frequent incidents of security breach at Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha’s Puri, the shrine administration has decided to urge the state government to introduce stricter penalties for violation of rules by visitors.
The issue pertaining to the shrine’s legal provisions was discussed at length at a crucial meeting on Tuesday. Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Arabinda Padhee told the media that the existing law lacks stringent punishments. Therefore, a proposal will be sent to the state government to amend the temple act.
With a focus on four key points, proposals would be placed before the government, he said. As per the proposals, unauthorised photography inside the temple should attract penalties. Anyone tarnishing the culture and dignity of the Lord will face a proposed punishment of up to seven years of imprisonment.
There will be provisions for non-bailable arrest warrants (NBW) and imprisonment of up to seven years for certain violations.
Flying drones or carrying electronic devices into restricted areas will lead to NBW action.
The proposals include amending the Shree Jagannath Temple Act to introduce penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment for certain offenses after the amendment. These proposals are currently awaiting government approval.
From a security standpoint, only authorized persons will be allowed to use mobile phones inside the temple, and even then, usage will not be allowed openly — they may use them only from designated areas.
The government would take a final decision and make amendments in the Shree Jagannath Temple Act. These are only proposals which will also be placed before the managing committee, and the state government will take the final decision in this regard, Padhee added.
