By Our Correspondent
NEW DELHI/BHUBANESWAR: The Supreme Court Monday asked the Odisha government to make necessary arrangements to conduct Puri’s Rath Yatra, scheduled to start from June 23, in a restricted manner in wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The apex court also said it cannot “micro-manage” the rituals and left it to the wisdom of state, the Centre and temple management to deal with that issue.
“If it is confined to Puri alone in a limited way without public attendance as proposed by Gajapati Maharaj of Puri, Chairman of the Puri Jagannath Temple administration, state govt will endeavour to make necessary arrangements to conduct it accordingly,” the SC bench said.
The apex court has also directed that the govt should impose curfew in Puri during procession. The Odisha government imposed a shutdown in Puri district from 9 pm on Monday till 2 pm on Wednesday.
Today is a special day for all of us, particularly our Odia sisters and brothers as well as devotees of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath Ji. The entire nation is delighted by the decision of the Honourable Supreme Court to ensure the Rath Yatra goes on. Entire nation is delighted by Supreme Court decision to ensure Jagannath Rath Yatra goes on, said Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday. “Congratulations to the people of Odisha,” said Shah.
The Supreme Court on Monday modified its earlier order and allowed the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha’s Puri to be held with the coordination of the Temple committee, State and Central government without compromising with the health issue pertaining to Covid-19.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde said that the apex court is only considering conducting the yatra in Puri and not anywhere else in Odisha.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only understood sentiments of devotees but also initiated consultations,” said Shah in a series of tweets while speaking on Puri Rath Yatra issue.
“Today is a special day for all of us, particularly our Odia sisters and brothers as well as devotees of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath Ji. The entire nation is delighted by the decision of the Supreme Court to ensure the Rath Yatra goes on,” said Shah.
“Last evening, as per the instructions of PM Narendra Modi, I spoke to Gajapati Maharaj Ji (The King of Puri) and the respected Shankaracharya Ji of Puri and sought their views on the Yatra. This morning, on PM’s instructions, I also spoke to the Solicitor General,” Shah further said.
Considering the urgency and importance of the matter, it was placed in front of a vacation bench of the Supreme Court and the hearing took place this afternoon, which paved the way for the important decision by the SC, the minister said.
“I thank the Supreme Court for granting permission to conduct Rath Yatra. I also thank the Central government for their cooperation. Odisha government and Sree Jagannath Temple administration is fully prepared to hold Rath Yatra,” said Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
“Holding Rath Yatra during the times of Covid-19 is extremely challenging. Three state ministers will be in Puri to ensure a smooth Rath Yatra,” Patnaik further said.”I convey my heartiest greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra. Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra is the most revered and much awaited festival of Odisha. Rath Yatra depicts the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu,” said Vice President, M. Venkaiah Naidu.
SC had earlier stayed the annual Rath Yatra at Jagannath Temple in Puri, which is slated to be held on June 23, and all activities related to the gathering in view of the coronavirus pandemic this year.
The Odisha government has imposed a complete shutdown in Puri district from 9 pm on Monday till 2 pm on Wednesday to hold the Rath Yatra without devotees by adhering to the Covid-19 guidelines.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena, in an order, said that no passenger train and private or public buses other than those carrying personnel on government duty/police and vehicles on emergency services will be allowed entry into the jurisdiction of Puri district during the period.Director General of Police Abhay said at least 50 platoons of security personnel will be mobilised for the smooth conduct of the car festival on Tuesday.
