Supreme Court refuses to stay razing drive around Puri Jagannath Temple

Supreme Court on Tuesday directed amicus curiae Ranjit Kumar and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to visit Puri Jagannath Temple and take stocks of situation following the eviction drive conducted by temple administration and state government around the temple. After hearing the matter SC dismissed two applications seeking stay on demolition drive.A three-judge bench of Justices Arun Mishra, MR Shah and BR Gavai asked both the Amicus curiae and Solicitor General to file a report in the apex court suggesting further development plans to be carried out in the temple. Earlier, the amicus curiae had submitted a comprehensive report suggesting various reforms in Srimandir based on district judge suggestion. The bench will hear the main matter September 17.Significantly, the bench dismissed an interlocutory application filed by Arvindalochanan and disposed off a petition filed by Inter Continental Association of Lawyers seeking stay on state Cabinet's decision of demolition of unauthorized constructions around the temple.The bench dismissed the petitions after taking Advocate General Ashok Parija's statement on record. The advocate general submitted in the court that the decision of demolition taken in compliance with the Das Committee recommendation which asked for making temple free of encroachment upto 75 meters of its surrounding.Two petitions were filed in SC seeking stay on the state government's order of demolition of unauthorized constructions in the temple's vicinity.An IA was filed by Arvindalochanan sought stay on demolition of properties and heritage structure. Another petition was filed by the Inter Continental Association of Lawyers seeking initiation of contempt against several parties including Chief Minister of Odisha.

—Zee Media Newsroom