SC indicates nod to Puri's Rath Yatra, to leave micro-management to Centre, state and temple trust

The Supreme Court Monday indicated it would allow Puri's Rath Yatra, saying it cannot "micro-manage" the rituals and left it to the wisdom of state, the Centre and temple management to deal with that issue. In its petition to the Supreme Court, the Centre on Monday said that the historic Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra in Puri can be allowed to be held this year without public participation in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday said that the Rath Yatra can be conducted while observing prescribed guidelines and will be held only in Odisha's Puri.

The Supreme Court Monday indicated it would allow Puri's Rath Yatra, scheduled to start from June 23, saying it cannot "micro-manage" the rituals and left it to the wisdom of state, the Centre and temple management to deal with that issue.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde was informed by the Odisha government that it will coordinate with temple management and the Centre to make things smooth during Rath Yatra.

The bench also comprising Justices Dinesh Maheswari and A S Bopanna was informed by the Centre that Rath Yatra can be conducted without compromising on citizen's health and with co-operation of state and temple trust.

The top court said it is considering the issue of conducting Rath Yatra in Puri only and not at other places in Odisha.

Earlier, the Centre told the Supreme Court that the historic Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra in Puri can be allowed to be held this year without public participation in view of the coronavirus pandemic.

"The tradition of centuries may not be stopped," the Centre said while seeking modification of the apex court's June 18 order staying the yatra.

"It is a matter of faith for crores. If Lord Jagannath will not come out tomorrow, he cannot come out for 12 years as per traditions," Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, said.

The state government can impose curfew for a day, Mehta said.

The Odisha government also supported the Centre's stand in the apex court, which is likely to hear the modification plea during the day itself.

The Puri Rath Yatra is attended by lakhs of people from across the world and is scheduled from June 23.

The apex court had on June 18 said that in the interest of public health and safety of citizens, this year's Rath Yatra, cannot be allowed and that "Lord Jagannath won't forgive us if we allow" it.