Odisha Govt Welcomes SC’s Decision to Allow Ratha Jatra

Bhubaneswar (Reporters Today Bureau): The Government of Odisha welcomes the decision to allow Jagannath Ratha Jatra in Holy City Puri, said the state Agricultural Minister Dr. Arun Kumar Sahoo today adding that all measures will be taken to ensure safe Jatra in the view of Coronavirus pandemic. On behalf of devotees of Lord Jagannath, the Government of Odisha welcomes this decision of Supreme Court. All guidelines will be followed strictly.

The state government will work with the Centre in this regard. It is our duty to look after how Ratha Jatra can be conducted peacefully and safely. The state government will take all measures,” Arun told newsmen. Earlier in the day, the top Court today modified its earlier order and allowed the  Jagannath Ratha Jatra in Puri to be held with the coordination of the temple committee, State and Central government without compromising with the health issue pertaining to Coronavirus. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde said that the top court is only considering conducting the Jatra in Puri and not anywhere else in the State.

The court had earlier stayed the world famous Puri Ratha Jatra, which is slated to be held tomorrow, and all activities related to the gathering in view of the Coronavirus pandemic this year. The top court today pronounced the order after hearing a batch of intervention applications seeking modification of its earlier order of staying the annual Ratha Jatra at Jagannath Temple in view of Corona pandemic. Supreme Court, while disposing of the pleas filed in the matter, noted that the State can stop the Jatra or festivities if they feel it is going out of hand and added that it was aware of the situation and has passed the order accordingly.