Taking camera inside Puri Jagannath Temple to invite stern punishment: Law Minister

Odisha Law Minister issued a stern warning on Tuesday regarding unauthorised photography inside the Jagannath Temple in Puri pilgrimage town.

In light of the recent concerns over hidden cameras, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan emphasised that anyone caught clicking pictures inside the Srimandir will face strict legal action and harsh penalties.

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According to sources, attempting to take photos inside the 12th-century Vaishnavite shrine can now lead to severe punishment. Odisha’s Law Minister has responded firmly to the concerns over hidden cameras being used inside the Puri Jagannath Temple premises.

Reacting to the controversy, the Minister said that anyone found capturing images inside the temple will be strictly punished under existing laws. The incident involving a suspected spy camera inside the Srimandir is being taken very seriously by the government.

Authorities are exploring all possible measures to tighten security and prevent any attempts to secretly photograph the temple interior. The Minister made it clear that any attempt to stir controversy or breach the sanctity of the temple through unauthorised photography will result in strict penalties.

Puri Jagannath Temple, being a highly revered and sensitive religious site, maintains a strict ban on photography within its premises. The State government reiterated its commitment to upholding this rule and preserving the temple’s spiritual sanctity.

“It is very difficult to detect the hidden cameras beforehand. Often, these acts are only discovered when someone tries to take a photo or video, and the built-in light of the camera blinks. We are currently considering stricter checking methods to prevent such breaches,” the Law Minister expressed while speaking to mediapersons.