New Delhi: The Supreme Court has refused to intervene Odisha government's order cancelling Rath Yatra in the state except in Puri. The bench led by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana observed that the procession needs to be cancelled in view of the Covid situation.
The court said, "This isn't the time" for hearing petitions filed from different places in Odisha like Nilgiri, Sasang seeking permission for the procession. "You want to pray to God. You can do it from home. I also wanted to go to Puri, but I couldn't in the last one and half years," said CJI dismissing the petitions.
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One of the advocates argued Covid situation in the state is under control. However, the chief justice ruled out saying that it is not for him or the court to predict the situation but the government.
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As per the state government's order, Rath Yatra is allowed only in Puri. The state government told before the court that restrictions imposed in Puri cannot be imposed throughout the state.
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