The sacred Snana Purnima festival was observed with great devotion at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, marking an important milestone in the annual Rath Yatra celebrations. During the grand ceremony, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were bathed with 108 pots of holy water in a centuries-old ritual. The occasion also marks the deities' first public appearance outside the sanctum sanctorum, drawing thousands of devotees who gathered to witness the spiritually significant event ahead of the world-famous chariot festival.


Jagannath Temple's grand Snana Purnima ritual marks Rath Yatra countdown

Jagannath Temple authorities will start asking devotees to follow a dress code inside the temple from next year. The dress code for devotes in the temple will come into effect from 1 January 2024, according to a report in PTI.&nbsp;

"The dress code will be strictly enforced inside the temple from January 1, 2024. Security personnel deployed at 'Singha Dwar' of the temple, and Pratihari servitors inside the temple have been assigned the responsibility to enforce the code," Shree Jagannath Temple Administration chief Ranjan Kumar Das, PTI reported.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-encounter-kills-two-let-terrorists-in-jks-shopian-644736">India: 2 LeT terrorists killed in Shopian encounter</a>

A second temple official said the awareness campaigns to ask devotees to wear “decent clothes” in the temple will start from Tuesday. “The Jagannath temple police and the temple servitors would keep an eye on anyone wearing indecent clothes,” the official added.

<h2>Decision to enforce dress code inside temple premises</h2>

The temple authorities said they took this decision after people were found in the temple in “indecent” clothing. Implementation of a proper dress code in the temple is a step towards maintaining the dignity and sanctity of the temple.&nbsp;

"Some people were found in the temple wearing torn jeans pants, sleeveless dresses, and half-pants, as if they were strolling on the sea beach or a park. The temple is the abode of God, not a place for entertainment," he said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-congress-party-extends-support-for-palestinians-amid-hamas-attack-on-israel-calls-for-ceasefire-644564">India’s Congress party extends support for Palestinians after Hamas attack on Israel, calls for ceasefire</a>

On the kind of dresses to be allowed, Das said that it would soon be decided. He said that the temple administration will start creating awareness about the dress code among the devotees first before implementing the dress code. The awareness programme will start from Tuesday.&nbsp;

As of now, the authorities have said, that people wearing half-pants, torn jeans, skirts and sleeveless dresses will not be allowed entry into the temple.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-explosion-at-fireworks-unit-kills-10-injures-several-644676">Tamil Nadu: Explosion at fireworks unit kills 10, injures several</a>

Jagannath Temple in Odisha is not the only temple in India that took this decision. In July last year, Jharkhand Mahadev Temple in Jaipur district introduced a dress code for devotees. They asked them to refrain from wearing ripped jeans, shorts, frocks, night suits, and mini-skirts.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

&nbsp;

Jagannath Temple authorities will start asking devotees to follow a dress code inside the temple from next year. The dress code for devotes in the temple will come into effect from 1 January 2024, according to a report in PTI.

Jagannath Temple authorities will start asking devotees to follow a dress code inside the temple from next year. The dress code for devotes in the temple will come into effect from 1 January 2024, according to a report in PTI. "The dress code will be strictly enforced inside the temple from January 1, 2024. Security personnel deployed at 'Singha Dwar' of the temple, and Pratihari servitors inside the temple have been assigned the responsibility to enforce the code," Shree Jagannath Temple Administration chief Ranjan Kumar Das, PTI reported. Also Read | India: 2 LeT terrorists killed in Shopian encounter A second temple official said the awareness campaigns to ask devotees to wear “decent clothes” in the temple will start from Tuesday. “The Jagannath temple police and the temple servitors would keep an eye on anyone wearing indecent clothes,” the official added. Decision to enforce dress code inside temple premises The temple authorities said they took this decision after people were found in the temple in “indecent” clothing. Implementation of a proper dress code in the temple is a step towards maintaining the dignity and sanctity of the temple. "Some people were found in the temple wearing torn jeans pants, sleeveless dresses, and half-pants, as if they were strolling on the sea beach or a park. The temple is the abode of God, not a place for entertainment," he said. Also Read | India’s Congress party extends support for Palestinians after Hamas attack on Israel, calls for ceasefire On the kind of dresses to be allowed, Das said that it would soon be decided. He said that the temple administration will start creating awareness about the dress code among the devotees first before implementing the dress code. The awareness programme will start from Tuesday. As of now, the authorities have said, that people wearing half-pants, torn jeans, skirts and sleeveless dresses will not be allowed entry into the temple. Also Read | Tamil Nadu: Explosion at fireworks unit kills 10, injures several Jagannath Temple in Odisha is not the only temple in India that took this decision. In July last year, Jharkhand Mahadev Temple in Jaipur district introduced a dress code for devotees. They asked them to refrain from wearing ripped jeans, shorts, frocks, night suits, and mini-skirts. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Dress code for devotees in Puri's Jagannath from Jan 1, temple authorities start awareness programme

Indian Supreme Court has decided to allow the annual&nbsp;Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri district of Odisha to take place after the Centre moved the SC on Monday.

"The tradition of centuries may not be stopped," the Centre said, asking to allow the yatra without public participation.

Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual procession in a chariot that takes place annually and&nbsp;is attended by lakhs of people from across the world.

The yatra, which is scheduled for June 23, was earlier cancelled by the Supreme Court.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lord-jagannath-wont-forgive-us-says-supreme-court-as-it-stays-this-years-rath-yatra-306803">'Lord Jagannath won't forgive us,' says Supreme Court as it stays this year's Rath Yatra</a>

However, on Monday morning the Centre moved the SC to take back its decision and allow the procession with few restrictions.

The procession will now take place on Tuesday, June 23, but without the attendance of the general public.

While the procession has been allowed, the SC has made it clear that the court still holds the right to cancel/stop the procession at any given point if the court feels that rules are not being followed and/or the procession is getting out of hands.

The Puri district will have a curfew starting from 9 pm today and will continue till Wednesday 2pm.

"People should not be allowed to participate in the Rath Yatra and the temple area should be barricaded around 3 kilometres. Odisha government has already conducted COVID-19 tests on 1,172 sevayats, which have come negative," said&nbsp;petitioner's lawyer Pranay Kumar Mohapatra.

The procession will be conducted by almost 1,600&nbsp;sevayats, who have already tested negative for coronavirus.

Indian Supreme Court has decided to allow the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri district of Odisha to take place after the Centre moved the SC on Monday. "The tradition of centuries may not be stopped," the Centre said, asking to allow the yatra without public participation.

Indian Supreme Court has decided to allow the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri district of Odisha to take place after the Centre moved the SC on Monday. "The tradition of centuries may not be stopped," the Centre said, asking to allow the yatra without public participation. Jagannath Rath Yatra is an annual procession in a chariot that takes place annually and is attended by lakhs of people from across the world. The yatra, which is scheduled for June 23, was earlier cancelled by the Supreme Court. Also read | 'Lord Jagannath won't forgive us,' says Supreme Court as it stays this year's Rath Yatra However, on Monday morning the Centre moved the SC to take back its decision and allow the procession with few restrictions. The procession will now take place on Tuesday, June 23, but without the attendance of the general public. While the procession has been allowed, the SC has made it clear that the court still holds the right to cancel/stop the procession at any given point if the court feels that rules are not being followed and/or the procession is getting out of hands. The Puri district will have a curfew starting from 9 pm today and will continue till Wednesday 2pm. "People should not be allowed to participate in the Rath Yatra and the temple area should be barricaded around 3 kilometres. Odisha government has already conducted COVID-19 tests on 1,172 sevayats, which have come negative," said petitioner's lawyer Pranay Kumar Mohapatra. The procession will be conducted by almost 1,600 sevayats, who have already tested negative for coronavirus.

Rath yatra: Supreme Court allows Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri

The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that the historic Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra in Puri can be allowed to be held this year without public participation in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

"The tradition of centuries may not be stopped," the Centre said, while seeking modification of the apex court's June 18 order staying the yatra.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lord-jagannath-wont-forgive-us-says-supreme-court-as-it-stays-this-years-rath-yatra-306803">'Lord Jagannath won't forgive us,' says Supreme Court as it stays this year's Rath Yatra</a>

"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.

The state government can impose curfew for a day, Mehta said.

The Odisha government also supported the Centre's stand in the apex court, which is likely to hear the modification plea during the day itself.

The Puri Rath Yatra is attended by lakhs of people from across the world and is scheduled from June 23.

The apex court had on June 18 said that in the interest of public health and safety of citizens, this year's Rath Yatra, cannot be allowed and that "Lord Jagannath won't forgive us if we allow" it.&nbsp;

The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that the historic Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra in Puri can be allowed to be held this year without public participation in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Centre on Monday told the Supreme Court that the historic Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra in Puri can be allowed to be held this year without public participation in view of the coronavirus pandemic. "The tradition of centuries may not be stopped," the Centre said, while seeking modification of the apex court's June 18 order staying the yatra. Also read | 'Lord Jagannath won't forgive us,' says Supreme Court as it stays this year's Rath Yatra "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. The state government can impose curfew for a day, Mehta said. The Odisha government also supported the Centre's stand in the apex court, which is likely to hear the modification plea during the day itself. The Puri Rath Yatra is attended by lakhs of people from across the world and is scheduled from June 23. The apex court had on June 18 said that in the interest of public health and safety of citizens, this year's Rath Yatra, cannot be allowed and that "Lord Jagannath won't forgive us if we allow" it.

Centre moves SC, seeks nod for Puri Rath Yatra without public participation

"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.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-india-gears-up-for-unlock-10-devotees-flock-to-religious-places-304096">COVID 19: India gears up for Unlock 1.0; devotees flock to religious places</a>

The three-judge bench, including Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and AS Bopanna asked&nbsp;Odisha's government to not permit the yatra or pilgrimage procession anywhere in the state to avoid the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/malls-hotels-religious-places-set-to-reopen-on-monday-amid-sharp-uptick-in-coronavirus-cases-304079">Malls, hotels, religious places set to reopen on Monday amid sharp uptick in coronavirus cases</a>

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.

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.

"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" 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. Also read | COVID 19: India gears up for Unlock 1.0; devotees flock to religious places The three-judge bench, including Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and AS Bopanna asked Odisha's government to not permit the yatra or pilgrimage procession anywhere in the state to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Also read | Malls, hotels, religious places set to reopen on Monday amid sharp uptick in coronavirus cases 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. 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.

'Lord Jagannath won't forgive us,' says Supreme Court as it stays this year's Rath Yatra

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Vice President Prasanna Acharya on Monday urged Union Finance Minister to allow Puri Jagannath Temple administration to withdraw the temple's fund from the crisis-hit Yes Bank as it belongs to the common people of the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/yes-bank-scam-cbi-carries-out-searches-at-7-locations-285222">Yes Bank scam: CBI carries out searches at 7 locations</a>

Acharya said he supported the move of State Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari writing to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeking her intervention in the matter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/enforcement-directorate-arrests-yes-bank-founder-rana-kapoor-under-money-laundering-charges-285034">Enforcement Directorate arrests Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor under money laundering charges</a>

"It is a very precarious situation and our Finance Minister of Odisha has written to the Union Finance Minister to intervene in the matter to allow the Jagannath Temple Trust to withdraw the amount that is deposited in Yes Bank. The money belongs to the thousands of devotees," Acharya told ANI.

Acharya said the Yes Bank crisis will shatter the confidence of the depositors in the banking system."I think it is a failure on the part of the central government and Reserve Bank of India and it proves that there is no proper monitoring system," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/yes-bank-founder-rana-kapoor-sent-in-ed-custody-till-march-11-285078">Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor sent in ED custody till March 11</a>

State Finance Minister Pujari had written to Sitharaman on March 8."Various funds related to the temple - Foundation Fund, Corpus Fund, and Temple Fund - are being managed by the Managing Committee. Out of these funds, an amount of Rs 545 crore has been deposited with Yes Bank, Puri," Pujari wrote to Sitharaman.

"In this background, I request you to kindly issue necessary instruction to RBI to allow the release of deposits relating to SJTA in Yes Bank in the interest of millions of devotees of Lord Jagannath," he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/ed-arrested-yes-banks-founder-rana-kapoor-in-money-laundering-case-285024/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Earlier, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had said that a moratorium has been imposed on Yes Bank, stressing that the bank`s financial capability has undergone a steady decline largely due to the inability of the bank to raise capital.

During the period of moratorium, the Yes Bank Ltd will not, without the permission in writing of the RBI, make payment to a depositor of a sum exceeding Rs 50,000 lying to his credit in any savings, current or any other deposit account.

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Vice President Prasanna Acharya on Monday urged Union Finance Minister to allow Puri Jagannath Temple administration to withdraw the temple's fund from the crisis-hit Yes Bank as it belongs to the common people of the country.

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Vice President Prasanna Acharya on Monday urged Union Finance Minister to allow Puri Jagannath Temple administration to withdraw the temple's fund from the crisis-hit Yes Bank as it belongs to the common people of the country. Also read: Yes Bank scam: CBI carries out searches at 7 locations Acharya said he supported the move of State Finance Minister Niranjan Pujari writing to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman seeking her intervention in the matter. Also read: Enforcement Directorate arrests Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor under money laundering charges "It is a very precarious situation and our Finance Minister of Odisha has written to the Union Finance Minister to intervene in the matter to allow the Jagannath Temple Trust to withdraw the amount that is deposited in Yes Bank. The money belongs to the thousands of devotees," Acharya told ANI. Acharya said the Yes Bank crisis will shatter the confidence of the depositors in the banking system."I think it is a failure on the part of the central government and Reserve Bank of India and it proves that there is no proper monitoring system," he added. Also read: Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor sent in ED custody till March 11 State Finance Minister Pujari had written to Sitharaman on March 8."Various funds related to the temple - Foundation Fund, Corpus Fund, and Temple Fund - are being managed by the Managing Committee. Out of these funds, an amount of Rs 545 crore has been deposited with Yes Bank, Puri," Pujari wrote to Sitharaman. "In this background, I request you to kindly issue necessary instruction to RBI to allow the release of deposits relating to SJTA in Yes Bank in the interest of millions of devotees of Lord Jagannath," he added. × Earlier, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had said that a moratorium has been imposed on Yes Bank, stressing that the bank`s financial capability has undergone a steady decline largely due to the inability of the bank to raise capital. During the period of moratorium, the Yes Bank Ltd will not, without the permission in writing of the RBI, make payment to a depositor of a sum exceeding Rs 50,000 lying to his credit in any savings, current or any other deposit account.

Centre should allow Puri Jagannath Temple to withdraw from Yes Bank: BJD's Prasanna Acharya

Taking serious note of alleged exploitation of devotees by 'sevaks' at the Puri Jagannath temple in Odisha, the Supreme Court on Friday passed a slew of directions to prevent any such malpractices and mismanagement, just ahead of the annual Rath Yatra next month.

The top court said it is of prime importance that all devotees have hassle-free visits and the offerings made by them are not misused.&nbsp&nbsp &nbsp

It directed the Odisha government to study the management schemes of other important shrines such as Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir, Somnath temple in Gujarat, Golden Temple in Punjab, Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh and Dharamsthala temple in Karnataka.

A vacation bench of justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and Ashok Bhushan, which passed several directions, said proper management of pilgrimage centres in a country of great importance is a matter of public interest.

The bench was hearing a petition filed by Mrinalini Padhi that highlighted difficulties faced by devotees at the Jagannath Temple at Puri and their harassment or exploitation by the sevaks (staff) of the temple.

The petition also pointed out that the environment of the temple was not hygienic as it ought to be, and there are encroachments at its premises.

It alleged that there are deficiencies in the management of the shrine and rituals are being commercialised.

The bench sought response from the Centre, the Odisha government and the temple's management committee and said the issue raised in the petition involves enforcement of fundamental rights under Article 25 and directive principles of the Constitution.

"There is no doubt that proper management of pilgrimage centres of great importance, is a matter of public interest.&nbsp

"These centres are of undoubted religious, social historical and architectural importance, representing cultural heritage of our country," the bench said.

Millions of people visit these centres not only for tourism, but also for seeking inspiration for righteous values and their well being, and make huge offerings and donations for advancement of such values, it said.

"It is of prime importance that all the visitors have hassle-free visits and the offerings made are utilised for righteous objects and not misappropriated in any manner by the staff/sevaks," the bench said.

It directed that the staff or 'sevaks' ought to be duly compensated by the legitimate remuneration as may be determined by the authority concerned.&nbsp

"The issue of hygiene and encroachment also need to be considered. Exploitative practices have to be timely stopped," the bench directed.

Referring to an apex court verdict of 1997, it said under the Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1954, there was a requirement of placing of 'hundis' for receiving offerings of devotees visiting the temple.

It directed that district judge of Puri to file an interim report by June 30 on the factual aspects such as difficulties faced by the devotees, exploitative practices and deficiencies in the management, if any.

"The collector/administrator may provide necessary funds, facilities and information, as may be necessary. He (the district judge) may consider any earlier study/report on the subject," the top court said.

The bench directed the administrator of the temple to review the arrangement of CCTV cameras that have been already installed and said video footage should be viewed by an independent committee.

It said the independent committee, which will view the CCTV footage at regular interval, should submit its report to the district judge every month so that necessary directions can be issued.

The top court asked the administrator to ensure that no direct collection of offerings is made by any 'sevak' and all the offerings are made either in the 'hundi' or are deposited and accounted for and properly utilised.

"There should not be any individual pockets (of offerings) made by the sevaks/attendants who may be given their due remuneration as per rules.&nbsp

"To ensure this, the help of CCTV cameras and its footage or other steps may be explored," the bench said.

It directed the Odisha government to constitute, forthwith, a committee which may study the management schemes in the other important shrines and suggest such changes as may be considered necessary.

The bench directed the committee constituted by the state to submit its interim report by June 30.

It asked the Centre to also constitute a committee to collect information with regard to major shrines so that the management practices can be reviewed for the benefit of all visitors, wherever necessary.

The bench appointed senior advocate Gopal Subramanium as amicus curiae to assist the court in the matter and directed him to collate all the reports of various committees and give his suggestions, if any.&nbsp

Taking serious note of alleged exploitation of devotees by 'sevaks' at the Puri Jagannath temple in Odisha, the Supreme Court on Friday passed a slew of directions to prevent any such malpractices

Taking serious note of alleged exploitation of devotees by 'sevaks' at the Puri Jagannath temple in Odisha, the Supreme Court on Friday passed a slew of directions to prevent any such malpractices and mismanagement, just ahead of the annual Rath Yatra next month. The top court said it is of prime importance that all devotees have hassle-free visits and the offerings made by them are not misused. It directed the Odisha government to study the management schemes of other important shrines such as Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir, Somnath temple in Gujarat, Golden Temple in Punjab, Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh and Dharamsthala temple in Karnataka. A vacation bench of justices Adarsh Kumar Goel and Ashok Bhushan, which passed several directions, said proper management of pilgrimage centres in a country of great importance is a matter of public interest. The bench was hearing a petition filed by Mrinalini Padhi that highlighted difficulties faced by devotees at the Jagannath Temple at Puri and their harassment or exploitation by the sevaks (staff) of the temple. The petition also pointed out that the environment of the temple was not hygienic as it ought to be, and there are encroachments at its premises. It alleged that there are deficiencies in the management of the shrine and rituals are being commercialised. The bench sought response from the Centre, the Odisha government and the temple's management committee and said the issue raised in the petition involves enforcement of fundamental rights under Article 25 and directive principles of the Constitution. "There is no doubt that proper management of pilgrimage centres of great importance, is a matter of public interest. "These centres are of undoubted religious, social historical and architectural importance, representing cultural heritage of our country," the bench said. Millions of people visit these centres not only for tourism, but also for seeking inspiration for righteous values and their well being, and make huge offerings and donations for advancement of such values, it said. "It is of prime importance that all the visitors have hassle-free visits and the offerings made are utilised for righteous objects and not misappropriated in any manner by the staff/sevaks," the bench said. It directed that the staff or 'sevaks' ought to be duly compensated by the legitimate remuneration as may be determined by the authority concerned. "The issue of hygiene and encroachment also need to be considered. Exploitative practices have to be timely stopped," the bench directed. Referring to an apex court verdict of 1997, it said under the Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1954, there was a requirement of placing of 'hundis' for receiving offerings of devotees visiting the temple. It directed that district judge of Puri to file an interim report by June 30 on the factual aspects such as difficulties faced by the devotees, exploitative practices and deficiencies in the management, if any. "The collector/administrator may provide necessary funds, facilities and information, as may be necessary. He (the district judge) may consider any earlier study/report on the subject," the top court said. The bench directed the administrator of the temple to review the arrangement of CCTV cameras that have been already installed and said video footage should be viewed by an independent committee. It said the independent committee, which will view the CCTV footage at regular interval, should submit its report to the district judge every month so that necessary directions can be issued. The top court asked the administrator to ensure that no direct collection of offerings is made by any 'sevak' and all the offerings are made either in the 'hundi' or are deposited and accounted for and properly utilised. "There should not be any individual pockets (of offerings) made by the sevaks/attendants who may be given their due remuneration as per rules. "To ensure this, the help of CCTV cameras and its footage or other steps may be explored," the bench said. It directed the Odisha government to constitute, forthwith, a committee which may study the management schemes in the other important shrines and suggest such changes as may be considered necessary. The bench directed the committee constituted by the state to submit its interim report by June 30. It asked the Centre to also constitute a committee to collect information with regard to major shrines so that the management practices can be reviewed for the benefit of all visitors, wherever necessary. The bench appointed senior advocate Gopal Subramanium as amicus curiae to assist the court in the matter and directed him to collate all the reports of various committees and give his suggestions, if any.

Devotees exploitation at Puri Jagannath temple under SC scanner