SC Disposes Of Plea For Reforms, Better Management At Puri Jagannath Temple In Odisha

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday closed a five-year-old case pertaining to reforms and better management at Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha.

The apex court disposed of the petition filed by Mrinalini Padhi seeking better management of affairs at the 12^th century shrine after taking into consideration the compliance affidavit filed by the temple committee and the Odisha government.

While disposing of the petition, the apex court reportedly said if anybody is of the opinion or view that any of the directions issued by this court are not complied with, application should be moved to the High Court, which should monitor the implementation of the directions.

A bench comprising Justice M R Shah and Justice C T Ravikumar heard the matter as the apex court disposed of the petition after five years and 26 sittings.

After going through the affidavits filed by the temple committee and the Odisha government, the SC decided to dispose of all the applications.

Other than land, Ratna Bhandar, and digitisation of Lord Jagannath’s land records, the Amicus Curiae has expressed satisfaction over the reply furnished by the state government and the temple committee.

It may be noted that the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) submitted an affidavit about the appointment of a full-time Chief Administrator for effective management of temple affairs.