SC directs Odisha govt to stop demolition of old mutts near Jagannath

Supreme Court has called out government of Odisha for demolishing old mutts around Jagannath temple in Puri. state government has claimed that se mutts were “old” and “dilapidated” whereas, activists said that se mutts were essential to worship in temple. apex court has asked state government to stop demolition of mutts immediately. y directed government to consult spiritual leaders like Puri Shankaracharya and or stakeholders before taking any step.  

Historic Sikh Mutts 

Supreme Court has also directed that state government will t be proceeding with proposed demolition of two historic Sikh mutts in Puri. It is believed that Guru Nanak stayed in one of se mutts. Thus, se places hold immense significance because of ties between temple and Sikh community. apex court heard matter after public interest litigation was filed to seek  court’s intervention for ensuring pilgrims' better safety and administration. A three-judge bench led by Justice Arun Mishra was hearing case. 

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SC questions state government 

apex court asked that state government to avoid ir interference into religious matters. y said that government should t “interfere in rituals of religion if it doesn’t understand m”. court said, “Something is very wrong here. How can you destroy mutts like this?  aura of temple may be destroyed, very soul of temple is necessary to maintain main deity.”  state government, in ir defence, claimed that se buildings were 60-70 years old. Additionally, government said that it had secured “consent” of  manment and y would rehabilitate m at alternative sites. 

Justice Mishra said, “ state has behaved in a crude way in this instance. Some of se mutts are essential for worshipping main deity in temple. state must ensure that se are t destroyed.  sentiments of people must be respected. What is required must be maintained. You cant just go in and say we will develop. Improve it proper way.”

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