HC breather for Puja committees in Cuttack; bigger Durga idols allowed

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court (HC) today granted permission to Puja committees of Cuttack city to have Durga idol size as per their respective requests.

However, the HC directed the committees to inform the city DCP about their idol size by 7 PM today. After verification, the DCP will give permission for the same. 

The Court pronounced its judgement while hearing petitions filed by different Puja committees seeking judicial intervention to relax the restrictions imposed by the state Government on Durga Puja celebrations.

“The petitioners said before the HC Bench that construction of idol had already started with 7 ft height from August 26 and Khadi (chalk paste) will be applied on the idols from tomorrow. The Bench directed members of the Puja Committees to inform the city DCP about their idol size by 7 PM today and take permission for the same,” said senior advocate Ashok Mohapatra.

It is pertinent to mention here that the state Government in its guidelines for Durga Puja celebrations had restricted the size of the idols to four feet. The Govt has also restricted public participation during the festival and immersion procession.

The guidelines also say Puja Pandals/Mandaps shall be covered on three sides. The fourth side will be covered in a way not to allow any public view of the idols.