Puri: The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has issued show-cause notices to three servitors of the Srimandir in Odisha’s Puri over alleged misconduct, including delays in rituals, use of offensive language toward on-duty staff, and indiscipline.
The three servitors – Ramkrushna Khuntia, Madhab Khuntia and Madhusudan Khuntia- allegedly obstructed others from performing the rituals of the sibling deities on February 28 and misbehaving with the temple officials.
According to sources, Ramakrishna Khuntia, who was acting as a proxy for another Palia Khuntia servitor during his duty shift allegedly caused substantial and avoidable delays in performing key rituals, as well as used inappropriate and abusive language for temple officials and administrative personnel present at the time. Madhab Khuntia and Madhusudan Khuntia face allegations of contributing to disruptions in the smooth flow of rituals and engaging in disorderly conduct within the temple premises.
The SJTA chief administrator Arabinda Padhee has directed the trio to submit their replies within seven days.
In a separate and more severe measure, Ramakrishna Khuntia has received an additional notice requiring him to justify why his Sadhibandha, the formal hereditary recognition as a servitor, should not be revoked in response to the seriousness of the charges.
Padhee said that the majority of servitors demonstrated strong cooperation and coordination during recent observances, such as the Dola Purnima festival. However, he stressed that isolated instances of disruption by a small number of individuals would not be overlooked. He affirmed that the administration would enforce strict measures under the provisions of the Shree Jagannath Temple Act to safeguard the shrine’s sanctity, discipline, and orderly functioning. He also extended appreciation to the servitor community for their ongoing support, which helps ensure the timely and reverent execution of daily rituals dedicated to Lord Jagannath.
