Srimandir Reforms panel notice to ASI over posters on temple walls

Puri: Upset over putting posters on Sri Jagannath temple walls, justice BP Das Commission of Inquiry for Reforms in Srimandir issued notice to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) asking it to file explanation on why FIR not filed for such an offence.

The Commission, which directed the ASI superintendent to report within 15 days, termed the act as a punishable offence under Section 30 of Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

As per the act, the violators should be punished with imprisonment which may extend to three months or with fine upto Rs 5,000 or with both.

On December 22, the Sevayat Samaj put up handwritten posters in and outside the Sri Jagannath Temple protesting restriction on entry of camera phone into the temple premises.

Also Read: Complete ban on smartphones inside Puri Srimandir from Jan 2018

Through the posters, the servitors had urged the temple administration to maintain equal guidelines for both devotees and servitors and allow the devotees to carry cell phones without camera into the temple premises.

The ban was implemented despite discontentment among the members in Chatisa Nijog meeting, the poster further read and suggested the servitors to purchase the non-camera mobiles at their own expenses.