Puri put under complete lockdown till Wednesday after SC allows Jagannath Rath Yatra

With Supreme Court allowing annual Jagannath Yatra, Odisha government has anunced a complete lockdown in Puri from 9 PM on Monday till Wednesday. Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik is chairing an emergency meeting to review arrangements for festival. nine-day Rath Yatra festival which has been continued uninterrupted since 1736 in seaside pilgrim town will begin on June 23.   

Puri under lockdown

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

SC allows Rath Yatra

Supreme Court bench heed by CJI Shar Arvind Bobde allowed Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra only in Puri under certain conditions. He 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 as about 10-12 lakh devotees usually gar for Rath Yatra.

Supreme Court's ruling on Rath Yatra: Artisans shed tears

Centre and state govt seek allowing Yatra

After several parties sought a modification in SC's order staying Jagannath Rath Yatra, Odisha state government and Centre told Supreme Court that Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra in Puri can be allowed to be held this year without public participation. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta representing Centre pointed out that next Rath Yatra will be held 12 years later, causing a break in trition. state government - represented by senior vocate Harish Salve too assured court that state will co-ordinate with Centre and temple authorities in conducting Yatra only in Puri and t elsewhere.

regular Rath Yatra, chariot to move within temple premises

SC stays annual Puri Rath Yatra

On Thursday, SC anunced its decision to stay annual Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha that was slated to be held on June 23 amid Coronavirus scare in country.   SC bench heed by CJI SA Bobde said that y considered it appropriate for interest of public health and safety of citizens to restrain state from holding Rath Yatra in Odisha this year. At present, re are 5160 confirmed vel coronavirus cases in Odisha out of which 3720 patients have recovered while 14 fatalities have been reported.

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