File petition in SC for allowing Ratha Jatra, Puri MLA urges Odisha CM

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Jun 21, 2020 at 4:20 PM

Bhubaneswar: After Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, Puri MLA Jayanta Kumar Sarangi has written to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urging him to file a petition for modification of Supreme Court’s order of disallowing Ratha Jatra in Puri.

Sarangi assured Patnaik to extend all possible support and cooperation to the State Government in ensuring the conduct of Ratha Jatra without the presence of devotees.

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“The Sri Mandir Management Committee has unanimously resolved in its meeting chaired by Gajapati Sri Dibyasingh Dev and requested the State Government to file a petition in the SC seeking for modification in the previous order making the Rath Yatra without devotees. As the elected people’s representative of Puri, I assure that I shall extend all possible support and cooperation to the Odisha Govt. to make the ensuing Rath Yatra without Devotees except the customary presence of some sevaks and the required Police,” the Puri MLA said in the letter.

“This can be possible if the State Govt. ensures preventive measures before and during the Car Festival preferably through the promulgation of a shutdown and like which the Govt needs to put forth before the Supreme Court and assure the court on its behalf. This may put a positive impact upon the Hon’ble SC to modify its previous order which will cater tonnes of happiness amongst the crores of Hindu devotees,” he said.

“Keeping the above matter in mind, you are requested to take necessary steps to file a petition for modification in the above case and ensure all possible measures to ensure safety security adhere to the rules on COVID-19 and uphold the rich customary,” he urged.

The Supreme Court’s ruling came on a plea by an NGO seeking direction to stay the holding of the festival. The plea filed by NGO Odisha Vikas Parishad claimed that presently the entire nation including Odisha is facing an unprecedented situation due to Covid-19, where the lives of the common people are at a huge risk.

Also read- Sambit Patra Seeks SC’s Permission For Puri Ratha Jatra.