As per the latest news reports, the Supreme Court today stated that it would allow Rath Yatra in Puri, which is scheduled to start from June 23, but with certain conditions. The top court added that it will not be able to ‘micro-manage’ Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra, and thereby, it leaves it to the discretion of the state, temple management, and Centre to take the call.
Reportedly, the Odisha state government informed a bench headed by Chief Justice SA Bobde that it will coordinate the Centre and temple management to make things smooth during Rath Yatra in Puri.
The bench comprising Justices Dinesh Maheswari and AS Bopanna was informed by the Centre that this festival will be conducted without compromising on the health of the citizens and co-operating of state and temple trust. Earlier, the Centre told the Supreme Court that the festival can be hosted this year but without any congregation of devotees in view of the Coronavirus spread.
However, the top court also mentioned that it is considering this issue of conducting Rath Yatra only in Puri, and not at other places in Odisha.
While referring to Rath Yatra in Puri without public participation in view of COVID-19 pandemic, the Centre told the Supreme Court that if the stay on the festival is not lifted, there can be no Rath Yatra for the next 12 years.”It is a matter of faith for crores. If Lord Jagannath will not come out tomorrow, he cannot come out for 12 years as per traditions,” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, said. He added that the Odisha state government can impose curfew for a day and conduct the festival that will be held on June 23.