SC reserves order on pleas against redevelopment project at Puri’s Jagannath temple

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the pleas against the Odisha government's redevelopment project at Puri’s Jagannath temple.

The Supreme Court on Thursday reserved its verdict on a set of petitions challenging the Odisha government's redevelopment project for the Jagannath temple in Puri. The bench of justices BR Gavai and Hima Kohli said that it would pass its order on the matter on Friday.

Senior advocates Mahalaxmi Pavani and Vinay Navare appearing for the petitioners argued that the Sri Mandira Parikrama project would damage the protected ancient temple. They said the project violated provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act) which prohibit construction within 100 metres of a protected monument.

Advocate Pavani said, “As of date there is no permission or approval of the competent authority for the Sri Parikrama project.” In addition, she stated that there have been "excavations" of over 15-20 feet near the temple premises, which could lead to damage to the archaeological site.

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Navare also argued that toilet complexes were being built within the protected temple premises, and said the project also includes the building of structures like reception centres and a police office, which are set to come up within the protected premises.

On the other hand, advocate general AK Parija appearing for the government said the necessary permissions had been obtained from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the government of India’s ministry of culture.

“The redevelopment plan is to decongest the area. We are trying to develop the area so Puri can become a world heritage city," said Parija. He also argued that the project was to build facilities for the thousands of devotees who visit the temple every year, particularly during the annual Rath Yatra.