Supreme Court stays Odisha's Puri Jagannath Yatra in view of public health & safety

Supreme Court on Thursday 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. apex court while responding to a PIL filed by an NGO for postponement of Yatra, observed that Rath Yatra could t be allowed in interest of public health and safety.  SC bench headed 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. 

CJI also consulted senior advocate Harish Salve on wher re should be a complete injunction of  Yatra and its activities or just curtailment of certain celebrations. Post consultation,  court was of opinion that it as safer to injunct all activities. "We are t allowing this. Lord Jagannath will t forgive us if we allow this to continue. All activities related to Rath Yatra are injuncted," said CJI.

SG Tushar Mehta while presenting his side of argument contended that sensitivity of matter requires that some rituals be allowed. However, CJI stated that secular or religious activity associated with Rath Yatra will take place this year, listing matter for furr hearing after 4 weeks. “ word ‘juggernaut’ comes from Jagannath; a juggernaut cant be stopped. So, Lord Jagannath cant be stopped by this," court observed.

plea filed in top court had contended that annual Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra which is one of largest religious congregations attracts more than 10 lakh people every year. It said that if allowed, it could put lives of thousands across country at a risk with congregation becoming a hub of deadly Coronavirus infection. 

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Read: Lord Jagannath's Bathing Rituals Held Sans Devotees, Social Distancing, Masks Tossed Aside