Supreme Court allows Jagannath Rath Yatra to take place in Puri with restrictions

In a major development on Monday, a Supreme Court bench headed by CJI Sharad Arvind Bobde allowed Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra to take place in Puri, Odisha on June 23. However, SC has stipulated certain conditions in this regard. It asked  Centre, state government and Temple committee to work in tandem to conduct Rath Yatra.

Moreover, apex court emphasised that re would be compromise on health of people amid COVID-19 outbreak. It also empowered Odisha government to stop Yatra in case of a public health emergency. About 10-12 lakh devotees usually gar for Rath Yatra. 

Read: Will Take 'favourable Action': Odisha Govt On Jagannath Yatra

Read:  Regular Rath Yatra, Chariot To Move Within Temple Premises

Arguments in SC

During hearing in apex court, both Centre and Odisha government argued that Rath Yatra could be conducted while taking due precautions. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that conditions of Union government would help Rath Yatra to be carried out without affecting public health. se include restricting congregation of people and permitting only priests who tested negative for COVID-19 to conduct rituals. He submitted that devotees may seek blessings on TV during live telecast of Rath Yatra. Maintaining that tradition of centuries cant be stopped, Mehta pointed out that Lord Jagannath cant come for next 12 years if stay on Rath Yatra persisted. 

original petitioner Odisha Vikas Parishad's counsel expressed concerns about rise of COVID-19 cases in state. At present, re are 5160 confirmed vel coronavirus cases in Odisha out of which 3720 patients have recovered while 14 fatalities have been reported. However, senior advocate Harish Salve appearing for Odisha government agreed to Solicitor General's proposal. 

Read: Rath Yatra: BJP's Sambit Patra Moves SC Seeking Modification To Its Stay Order In Odisha

Previous order

Monday's verdict came on a bunch of pleas challenging SC's order staying Rath Yatra in Odisha. In order dated June 18, apex court stated that decision was appropriate in interest of public health and safety of devotees. It cited that Article 25 of Constitution confers right to freely profess and propogate religion subject to health. order specified that secular or religious activities associated with Rath Yatra will be permitted during this period.

Read: Odisha Reports One More COVID-19 Fatality, 143 New Cases