Puri Srimandir security violations: Odisha proposes jail terms, non-bailable warrants

In a major development, proposals for stricter penalties have been submitted to the Odisha government, focusing on four key points in a high-level meeting held on Tuesday regarding the security of the Srimandir in Puri, informed Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee.

According to the proposals, unauthorized photography inside the temple will attract penalties. Anyone tarnishing the culture and dignity of the Lord will face a proposed punishment of up to seven years of imprisonment.

There will be provisions for non-bailable arrest warrants (NBW) and imprisonment of up to seven years for certain violations.

Flying drones or carrying electronic devices into restricted areas will lead to NBW action.

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The proposals include amending the Shree Jagannath Temple Act to introduce penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment for certain offenses after the amendment. These proposals are currently awaiting government approval.

From a security standpoint, only authorized persons will be allowed to use mobile phones inside the temple, and even then, usage will not be allowed openly — they may use them only from designated areas.

"We have given proposals on four points to the Odisha government regarding the security of Puri Srimandir to take the final decision and make amendments in the Shree Jagannath Temple Act. As per the proposals, unauthorized photography inside the temple will attract penalties. In the second proposal, anyone tarnishing the culture and dignity of the Lord will face a proposed punishment of up to seven years of imprisonment. There will be provisions for non-bailable arrest warrants (NBW). In the third proposal, flying drones or carrying electronic devices into restricted areas will lead to cognizable and NBW action. The fourth proposal includes amending the Shree Jagannath Temple Act to introduce penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment for certain offenses after the amendment," said SJTA Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee.

"These are only proposals which will also be informed to the managing committee, and the state government will take the final decision in this regard," he added.