Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Cuttack, Dec 27:

Justice B P Das Commission of Inquiry on Sri Mandir Reforms has sought an extension of its tenure which ends on January 22 next year.

sri-mandir-commission

The Commission has written a letter to the Odisha government stating that it requires more time for completion of the inquiry, informed an official.

The Commission has received 12, 791 affidavits till date, out of which 11, 094 have been submitted at its office. It has also received 1,591 suggestions and 135 affidavits by email.

The Commission has also written to the state government seeking appointment of two data entry operators for classifying and digitization of these documents.

The Commission will be soon visiting the Sri Jagannath temple as part of its inquiry process.

“The Commission has informed the state government on the number of affidavits we have received; the work we have done during this period. We have also informed it on the issues pertaining to extension of the deadline for receipt of affidavits twice. The matter is under consideration of the government. We are hopeful of receiving an extension before the tenure ends,” informed B P Parija, Secretary Justice B P Das Commission of Inquiry on Sri Mandir reforms speaking to reporters.

“Justice Das has said the Commission would visit Puri to conduct a study on the matter,” he added.

Notably, following the controversy post the Niladri Bije fiasco, the state government on July 21 had constituted Justice B P Das Commission of Inquiry- one-member judicial commission to bring reforms in the management of the Sri Mandir.