'Lord Jagannath won't forgive us,' says Supreme Court as it stays this year's Rath Yatra
Jagannath Temple
"Lord Jagannath won't forgive us if we allow" were the words of the Supreme Court on Thursday as it stayed this year's historic Puri Rath Yatra which is held in the eastern Indian state of Odisha.
"Lord Jagannath won't forgive us if we allow this year's Rath Yatra to go, " Chief Justice SA Bobde said, adding that a large gathering could not be allowed during the coronavirus pandemic.
The three-judge bench, including Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and AS Bopanna askedOdisha's government to not permit the yatra or pilgrimage procession anywhere in the state to avoid the spread of COVID-19.
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Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who was appearing for an NGO, argued that if Rath Yatra would take place, a huge gathering would follow, which will add to the risk of coronavirus infections.
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A counsel appearing for an intervenor said the state government has issued a notification that there will be no public gathering till June 30.
The PIL was filed by an Odisha-based NGO seeking cancellation or postponement of this year's Rath Yatra, which carries on for 10 to 12 days and is attended by millions of worshippers from across the world.