High Court raps Odisha govt over delay in Srimandir rituals

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court today expressed displeasure over the delay in Srimandir rituals. Rapping the state government for wrong interpretation of its order, the court clarified that it only reviewed the temple repair works and didn't pass any orders pertaining to the rituals of Srimandir.

The court added that it is the state government and administration's duty to ensure smooth conduct of the rituals.

"Wrong interpretation of High Court's order is creating problems and the court has clarified that its order was related only to the repair and preservation work of Srimandir," said senior lawyer, Ashok Mohapatra.

"The court had directed to implement the recommendations of Justice BP Das Commission as per Odisha government's request," Mohapatra clarified.

An affidavit has been submitted by the temple authorities and they have accepted that 'Mahaprasad' is currently not being prepared in Srimandir.

Meanwhile, after the disappointment of four days, devotees will finally get 'Mahaprasad' on Friday, informed the Suara Nijog.

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The delay in the rituals of the Srimandir and unavailability of Mahaprasad has stoked widespread resentment in all quarters. Yesterday, Congress legislators created ruckus in the Odisha Assembly seeking clarification from the CM and the Law minister on such lapses in Srimandir.

Later in the day, Law Minister Pratap Jena said, “It is untrue that deities were deprived of food. However, the rituals got delayed. Today, all rituals were performed on time. Due to noncooperation of Shree Supakara servitors, ‘Bhoga Mandap’ bhog could not be offered and ‘Bikraya Baradi Bhog’ is not available to devotees.”