Orissa High Court seeks status report on Srimandir, Konark

Orissa High Court on Wednesday ordered amicus curiae to submit an affidavit explaining the current status of Srimandir Jagamohan and Konark Surya temple following an inquiry. 

The court heard two separate petitions on Srimandir Jagamohan and Konark temple on Tuesday after a gap of two years. 

During the hearing, amicus curiae NK Mohanty expressed concerns over the poor condition of both the shrines. 

He informed the HC that both the shrines need immediate repair. It was then that the court directed Mohanty to submit status report of both the shrines following an inquiry.

The bench also instructed Mohanty to mention about the repair work being done so far at the shrines in the affidavit. 

The HC bench later scheduled its next hearing on October 18.

Notably, Jagamohan repair works are undertaken inside the temple during Rath Yatra in the absence of the deities every year. Officials are permitted to enter the restricted areas and inner precincts of the temple.

And repair of Jagamohan is carried out under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The work includes grouting, washing and replacement of stones in the specified area of the shrine.