Published 20:14 IST, June 21st 2020
Rath Yatra: BJP's Sambit Patra moves SC seeking modification to its stay order in Odisha
Appealing to the Supreme Court to allow the Jagannath Rath Yatra, BJP leader Sambit Patra has moved the apex court seeking a modification on its stay order
Appealing to the Supreme Court to allow the Jagannath Rath Yatra, BJP leader Sambit Patra, on Sunday, has moved the apex court seeking a modification on its order staying the procession. Patra is one of several parties who have moved the court seeking a modification. The Supreme Court will hear all the pleas pertaining to allowing Rath Yatras across Odisha on Monday.
Sambit Patra moves Supreme Court on allowing Rath Yatra
SC stays annual Puri Rath Yatra
On Thursday, the SC announced its decision to stay the annual Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra in Odisha that was slated to be held on June 23 amid the Coronavirus scare in the country. The SC bench headed by CJI SA Bobde said that they considered it appropriate for the interest of public health and safety of citizens to restrain the state from holding the Rath Yatra in Odisha this year. The decision has been challenged by the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee, which has recommended that the festival be held without devotees and by sealing Puri, with people being allowed to watch the festival on TV.
Gujarat HC stays Ahmedabad's Rath Yatra
Following the SC, the Gujarat High Court on Saturday ordered stay on holding of annual Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad on coronavirus concerns. The HC stayed the procession in view of the prevailing situation arising out of the coronavirus after the state government informed that the yatra covers a route of around 18 km and approximately 7-8 lakh people will participate in it. The Hgh Court expressed shock at the government granting permission to the yatra in May, amid rising COVID-19 cases.
West Bengal arranges low-key Rath Yatra
The Rath Yatra is set to be a low-key affair in West Bengal this year, as several organising committees of the annual car festival have called off festivities to avoid public gatherings in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. The International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) here has already scrapped its plan to take out chariots of Lord Jagannath. The devotees will, however, be able to witness the rituals live on social media, said ISKCON.
Updated 20:14 IST, June 21st 2020