Centre Blocks Odisha Government’s Lingaraj Temple Ordinance

The Centre has blocked the Odisha government’s ordinance to bring the Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar and eight associated temples around the 11th century shrine under a special law.

As per the Central government, the ordinance is outside the ‘legislative competence’ of the state legislature.

Earlier, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik-led cabinet had approved an ordinance to bring Lingaraj Temple, the largest temple in Bhubaneswar and its 8 other associated temples under a special law in lines with that of Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. Later, the State government had sought Centre’s approval over the matter.

However, the Union government blocked the ordinance by citing the reason that it could lead to conflict with the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act). The Odisha government has been further told that the ordinance is not within the power of the State government.

The Centre in a letter has further claimed that Odisha government has already violated the AMASR Act by executing construction activities around the Lingaraj temple.

Citing objections from the Ministry of Culture, the Home Ministry said that since the ordinance covers 12 centrally protected monuments including the Lingaraj temple, it was outside the legislative competence of the state legislature as it violates the provisions of AMASR Act, 1958.

“These centrally protected monuments are governed by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. As per the said Act, new constructions are not allowed in prohibited area (100 metres zone from protected monument). Further, 200 metres area beyond prohibited area has been declared as regulated area where permission from competent authority on recommendation from the National 

Monuments authority is required to undertake construction-related activities including repairs,” the letter sent to the Odisha Governor’s office read.

Meanwhile, the Raj Bhawan has sought a clarification from the Chief Secretary in this regard.
 

(Edited by Suryakant Jena)