Specify date for opening of Jagamohana: Odisha HC to SJTA

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court today censured Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) for failing to specify exact date for opening Sri Mandir Jagamohana for the devotees in its affidavit submitted before it.

The SJTA today submitted its report on Jagamohana repair through an affidavit before the High Court.

However, according to reports, the High Court expressed its displeasure as the SJTA had failed to provide a specific date for opening of Jagamohana for the devotees.

The High Court directed the SJTA to specify exact date on which Jagamohana would be opened latest by next date of hearing in the matter failing which it will summon SJTA Chief Administrator to appear in person before it.

The issue of Wednesday’s inspection of the Ratna Bhandar (treasury/repository of ornaments) also came up during the hearing.

Amicus Curiae N K Mohanty, who was part of the Ratna Bhandar inspection team while answering queries, told the court that there are cracks in the walls and roof of the Ratna Bhandar which needed repair which can be taken later.

“The Ratna Bhandar inspection committee which inspected the Ratna Bhandar on April 4, 2018 has submitted its report to the SJTA in a sealed envelope. After its examination by the Chhatisa Nijog and the temple administration it will be placed before the Court. But Amicus Curiae N K Mohanty who was also part of the inspection team while answering to queries by the Bench said that some beams of the Ratna Bhandar have been damaged which may not require immediate repair but have to be repaired later,” informed Ashok Mohapatra, petitioner’s counsel.

It’s worth mentioning here that the High Court is monitoring the repair work of the Sri Mandir in response to a PIL seeking judicial intervention for repair and renovation of the temple.