I also want to go to Puri, says CJI while dismissing all pleas on Ratha Jatra

Bhubaneswar: Putting an end to all speculations regarding conduct of Ratha Jatra at multiple places in Odisha, the Supreme Court of India today dismissed all petitions seeking permission for the same.

Hearing the petitions that challenged the Odisha Government’s decision not to hold Ratha Jatra at various places other than Puri, the SC Bench headed by CJI NV Ramana dismissed the pleas saying it cannot predict COVID-19 situation in the State and the state Government is competent to decide.

I also feel bad but we can’t do anything about it. Hope god will allow next Rath Yatra. I also want to go to Puri since last one and a half years but I don’t. I worship at home.

                                                                              —CJI 

Earlier in June, the Orissa High Court (HC) refused to intervene in the State Government’s decision to allow the car festival of Lord Jagannath only in Puri this year.

Also Read: No Ratha Jatra In Odisha Except Puri This Yr: HC Refuses To Intervene In Govt Decision

Attorney General Ashok Parija representing state of Odisha said, “Puri is ‘different’. Conditions imposed for Ratha Jatra in Puri cannot be implemented across the State.”

“Chariot is pulled by 500 people, who undergo RT-PCR test. How will the state ensure all these conditions in other parts?,” the AG argued.