Puri Jagannath Temple land in Jatni: SJTA vows to adhere to Orissa HC’s verdict

The Orissa High Court has rendered a significant verdict regarding the disputed 15 acres of land belonging to Puri Jagannath Temple, located in Jatani's Kantia Mouza in Khurda district. This ruling elicited a response from Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Sunday, which has pledged full compliance with the High Court's directive.

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The SJTA resolved to follow the High Court's instructions meticulously.

According to sources, the administration vowed to enforce the Court's directives regarding management of the Jagannath temple land. SJTA officials declared their commitment to transparency and protection of the temple's land, emphasising that no person or institution with vested or exploitative interests will be allowed to compromise these efforts.

Assertions of the SJTA on 15-acre land

The temple administration made it clear, stating, “No vested interests or institutional greed will ever be tolerated. This stance underscores the State government’s broader policy of promoting transparency and fairness in protection of the Lords’ property.”

Additionally, the temple administration articulated that it views the High Court's decision as a blueprint for future actions, and has committed to strictly enforcing it.

The High Court delivered explicit instructions concerning the sale, lease, or transfer of temple property. It stressed the importance of safeguarding Lord Jagannath's assets and instructed the State government to implement effective measures accordingly.

A particular directive highlights the need to digitise temple records, including the mutation (recording) and transfer of temple property. Justice Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi presided over the hearing.

Advocate General Pitambar Acharya represented the temple administration in court. He affirmed that immediate actions would be undertaken by revenue and land record authorities to accurately document the landed properties under Puri Jagannath's ownership, referring to relevant legal and historical contexts.

Any amendments to land records or mutations conflicting with legal requirements or the Court's decision will be dismissed. In reviewing Section 16(2), authorities aim to rectify any unauthorised transactions and anomalies with temple property.

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Highlighting the significance of protecting the rights of Lord Jagannath, the temple administration also emphasised the tightening of governance measures to prevent any procedural lapses.