Puri: Office of the Puri Shankaracharya has opposed the proposed opening of a liquor shop near the centuries-old Govardhan Peeth in the pilgrim town in Odisha.
The Puri seer’s office cited concerns over religious sanctity, public safety and alleged violations of excise rules.
Govardhan Peeth, the revered seat of the Puri Shankaracharya and one of the four highest mutts of Hinduism, sought immediate cancellation of the permission granted for the proposed outlet at Goudabada Sahi.
The objection was raised after the Shankaracharya’s office received representations from local residents expressing concern over the proposed liquor outlet.
The mutt wrote to Puri district collector Dibya Jyoti Parida seeking intervention in the matter. In a letter dated August 16, the office of the Puri Shankaracharya said that several religious, educational and residential establishments are located close to the proposed site.
The Shankaracharya’s office also referred to Rule 26 of the Odisha Excise Rules, 2017, which prohibits liquor outlets within 300 metres of places of worship, petrol pumps, railway stations and bus stands in urban areas.
In rural areas, the prescribed distance is 500 metres. The rules also prohibit liquor shops within 500 metres of recognised educational institutions and within 100 metres of bathing ghats.
The mutt cited these provisions while seeking cancellation of the permission granted for the outlet.
“Govardhan Peeth strongly objects to the permission granted for the liquor shop. Several mathas, including Govardhan Peeth, besides temples, schools and residential localities, are situated within 30 to 50 metres of the proposed location,” the letter said.
“Puri is among the holiest centres of Sanatana Dharma. Devotees from across India and abroad visit the city for darshan of Lord Jagannath. Opening a liquor shop in such proximity to religious and educational institutions could disturb the spiritual atmosphere of the area and raise concerns about public safety, particularly for women, children and students,” the mutt said.
Urging the district administration to intervene, the seer’s office said the proposal had triggered widespread concern among locals and religious institutions.
“Govardhan Peeth strongly condemns and opposes the proposed liquor shop and requests your office to ensure that it is not allowed to operate at the proposed site, keeping in view the sanctity of Puri Dham and genuine concerns of local people,” the letter read.
The district administration said the representation is under consideration. A senior official said the letter from the Shankaracharya’s office has been received and the matter is being examined.
