Orissa HC orders interim stay on hearing in ISKCON proposed temple matter

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Puri, Jan 29:

Hearing in International Society for Krishna Consciousness’s (ISKCON) proposed controversial project at Baliapanda in Puri at the Puri Konark Development Authority (PKDA) scheduled for today was adjourned following an interim stay by the Orissa High Court.

The High Court today issued an interim stay in the matter till February 17 forbidding any action in the matter till further orders, sources said.

Following coming to fore of certain facts concealed by ISKCON, PKDA had served notice to ISKCON authorities.

ISKCON authorities had appeared before the district collector’s court today in this connection. ISKCON through an affidavit informed the district collector’s court of the stay ordered by the High Court on receipt of it the collector adjourned the hearing in the matter.

Notably, senior BJP leader Bijay Mohapatra on January 18 had alleged at a press conference that ISKCON was conspiring to construct another Jagannath temple in Sipasarubali mouza in Puri.

On the next day PKDA had ordered stopping construction of the proposed temple till disposal of the case.

Following that ISKCON at a press conference clarified that Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra would not be worshipped at the proposed temple.

Similarly, allegations were raised against ISKCON authorities of grabbing the land for the proposed project through manipulation.

However, ISKCON’s move to construct another Jagannath temple in Puri drew flak from all quarters.