SUPREME COURT ALLOWS PURI RATH YATRA WITH RESTRICTIONS
Rajesh Mohapatra,Odishabarta
PURI: Puri Rath Yatra which is the most sought festive occasion in Odisha has been witnessed by crores of the people in the world. This time due to Covid-19, Supreme Court was initially stays to conduct Rath Yatra after hearing the plea of one NGO. But large scale demand was put forwarded by many Jagarnnath lovers including few politicians through review petition which was filed in Suprme Court and a request for urgent hearing was made and the Supreme Court has fixed the date on Monday for the hearing. And finally Supreme Court allows for Rath Yatra but in a restrictive manner and it has to be overseen by Temple Management and the State Govt. without allowing devotees congregation. Earlier Central Govt. has said the Apex court that it may be allowed without devotee and since this is an old tradition if it stops for the year then it cannot be organized for next 12 years. This logic was supported by the state Govt. For the Govt. Tushar Mehta the Solicitor General was representing. Mehta also said that the State Govt. will be imposing curfew for a day to stop the devotees to come. All sevayat and Pandas who have tested negative will perform all rituals. Since this is something related to faith of crores of Hindus across the globe, this decision must have relieved all devotees who will be visualizing this unique act on TV screen. This decision was welcomed by many Jagarnnath lovers across the country.
