SC quashes petitions challenging eviction near Meghnad Pacheri of Srimandir  

Bhubaneswar: The Supreme Court today quashed two petitions challenging eviction of structures adjacent to Meghnad Pacheri of Srimandir in Puri.

The move came after Advocate General of Odisha stated before the apex court that the eviction drive was carried out following recommendations of BP Das Commission, formed by Odisha government to suggest reforms in functioning of the centuries-old temple.

Next hearing in connection with the matter will be held on September 17.

Worth mentioning, two petitions were filed by Intercontinental Lawyers’ Association and a resident of Chennai challenging demolition of structures up to 75 metre from Meghnad Pacheri.

On August 19, the Puri district administration began eviction of  all structures, including private property, shoe stands, government installations like power supply building, temple information centre and a police outpost to ensure safety and security of Srimandir.

Today, the administration resumed the eviction drive to remove constructions up to 75 metres from boundary wall of Srimandir. Besides shops, religious structures like Languli Mutt, Emara Mutt and Raghunandan library will be demolished.