SC Quashes Pleas Against Demolitions Around Puri Jagannath Temple

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday quashed two petitions against the demolition of structures up to 75 metres from the boundary walls (Meghanada Pacheri) of the Jagannath temple in Puri.

The counsel of the Puri temple administration, Swetaketu Mishra, told the media that the two petitions against the government’s eviction drives were filed by the Intercontinental Lawyers’ Association and a resident of Chennai.

The apex court quashed the two petitions in response to a statement by the Advocate General of Odisha, Ashok Parija. The AG told the court that the state government had taken up the eviction drive on the recommendation of the Justice BP Das Commission of Inquiry as part of the security and reforms in the temple.

Parija also said that the state government has assured the displaced traders of proper rehabilitation and adequate compensation as per the law.

The apex court directed the amicus curiae, Ranjit Kumar, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to visit Puri on September 9 and 10 and submit a report after reviewing the situation.

The court will again hear the case on September 17.