SC Defers Jagannath Temple Reforms Hearing To Oct 3

New Delhi: The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday deferred its hearing on the reforms in the Jagannath Temple in Puri to October 3.

A division bench of the apex court comprising Justices Arun Mishra, BR Gavai and MR Shah deferred the date of hearing after the amicus curiae Ranjit Kumar and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought two weeks time to submit their report.

While deferring the hearing, Justice Mishra, with reference to the eviction drive in the 75-metre periphery of the Jagannath temple, asked the amicus curiae as well as the Advocate General of Odisha Ashok Parija to ensure that all these works should be done in accordance with the law. “Though there is a noble intention behind the eviction drive, everything has to be done as per law,” he added.

Justice Mishra also told the Advocate General to listen to the grievance of the people before acquiring their land.

Notably, the top court had directed the amicus curiae and the Solicitor General to visit Puri and submit a report after reviewing the ongoing development work.

Acting on the directive of the court, the duo had visited Puri on September 7 and reviewed the eviction within the 75-metre radius of the temple boundary wall (Meghanada Pacheri).