Supreme Court gives green signal to Jagannath Rathyatra, conditional permission

Orissa, Ta. Monday 22 June 2020

The Supreme Court has given the green signal to the Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri. In view of Corona, the Supreme Court has allowed the rathyatra with condition. The court said that even during the plague epidemic the rathyatra took place between limited rules and devotees.

Several petitions were filed in the Supreme Court against the rock on the Puri Rathyatra due to the corona virus infection. The petitions were heard in the Supreme Court on Monday. Chief Justice of India SA Bobade constituted a three-judge bench on the matter. The bench comprised of CJI SA Bobade, Justice AS Bopanna and Justice Dinesh Maheshwari.

Initiating the argument, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that travel should be allowed. No issues have been resolved and the safety of the people has been taken into consideration. On this the CJI asked why the UOI should conduct the rathyatra.

Mehta said the pilgrimage could be allowed in consultation with Shankaracharya, Gajapati of Puri and Jagannath Temple Committee. The central government also wants the tradition of travel to be maintained by at least enough people.

On which CJI said why Shankaracharya is being involved? If the trust and the temple committee are already organizing, then why is the government involving Shankaracharya? Mehta said, "No, we are talking about a conversation." He is the supreme guru of religion.

Senior lawyer Harish Salve said a curfew has been imposed. The chariot is pulled by a serviceman or a policeman, who is covid negative. Ranjit Kumar said on behalf of the petitioner that two and a half thousand Pandits are connected with the temple system. Involving everyone will only increase the difficulty and clutter.

"We know," the CJI said. All this micro management is the responsibility of the state government. Arrangements are made in the interest of public health following the rules of the Centre's guidelines. Tushar Mehta said arrangements would be made as per the guideline. CJI said what guideline are you talking about?

Mehta said that the guideline will be followed keeping in view the health of the people.

Supreme Court has allowed Rath Yatra to be conducted in Puri, Odisha with certain restrictions. https://t.co/MhteNWUapm

- ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2020