Puri Srimandir reforms case: Petition disposed of SC after 5 years, 26 sittings

The Supreme Court of India closed the Puri Srimandir reforms case after five years and 26 sittings on Monday.

After taking into consideration the compliance affidavit filed by the Srimandir Committee, the apex court disposed of the petition filed by Mrinalini Padhi for better management of affairs at the 12th-century shrine.

“If anybody is of the opinion or view that any of the directions issued by this court are not complied with, application should be moved to the High Court, which should monitor the implementation of the directions,” the apex court said in its ruling before disposing of the petition.

“After going through the affidavits filed by the Srimandir committee and the Odisha government, the SC decided to dispose of all the applications including the violence at the temple. The apex court even directed to move the HC if anybody wants to file any petition regarding the management of the temple,” said Supreme Court lawyer, Swetaketu Mishra.

“Other than land, Ratna Bhandar, and digitisation of Lord Jagannath’s land records, the Amicus Curiae has expressed satisfaction over the reply furnished by the State government and the Srimandir Committee,” he added.

Notably, a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra had issued at least 25 directives including the establishment of an accommodation facility for 60,000 pilgrims, a waste treatment plant in Puri, and the establishment of schools and colleges in collaboration with the SJTA to promote Jagannath culture.