PIL filed in Orissa HC seeking reopening of Ratna Bhandar, taking inventory of ornaments

 Amidst the growing chorus, the sensitive matter of Ratna Bhandar, the treasure trove of Lord Jagannath in Puri Srimandir, has now reached Orissa High Court. Former state BJP President, Samir Mohanty filed a PIL in Orissa High Court seeking reopening of the Ratna Bhandar, its repair, and taking inventory of the ornaments.

In his petition, Mohanty has demanded taking inventory of the items as it was last done in 1987. The petitioner has also appealed for the constitution of a high-level joint committee for taking inventory of the ornaments of the Lord.

The demand has been made for the constitution of a panel headed by the Odisha Governor or sitting judge. As per sources, the condition of the Ratna Bhandar is now deplorable with leaking ceilings and peeling plasters, and needs urgent repairs.

In the petition, a prayer has also been made for registration of criminal cases against those involved in the ‘disappearance of Ratna Bhandar keys’ and a probe by CBI in this regard.

Senior advocate, Pitambar Acharya said, “We have two prayers—opening of Ratna Bhandar, taking inventory and immediate repair as it is in a hazardous condition."

Acharya further said it is now over 45 years that no inventory of the ornaments has been made. “There is now a suspicion in the minds of people as the keys went missing under mysterious circumstances from the treasury and later claimed that some duplicate keys were found,” he added.

Recently, Puri King Gajapati Maharaja Dibyasingha Deb, Chhattisgarh Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan and several senior servitors had expressed concerns over the physical condition of the treasure trove of the 12th Century shrine.

In an exclusive interview with OTV, the Gajapati Maharaja, the first servitor of Lord Jagannath at Srimandir expressed his displeasure citing that the Odisha government is dragging its feet to reopen the Ratna Bhandar even after demands from all quarters.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President, Sarat Pattanayak today questioned why the Odisha government is scared to open the Ratna Bhandar. “Why the Odisha govt is afraid of opening Srimandir Ratna Bhandar. Gajapati Maharaja, Shankaracharya and servitors want opening of Ratna Bhandar. Why govt is sitting silent?" said Pattanayak.