Durga Idol Height: Orissa HC Asks Advocate General To Submit Status Report

Cuttack: Hearing petitions of various Puja Committees in connection with the cap on the height of Durga idols, the Orissa High Court today asked the Advocate General to submit a status report of a few under-construction idols taller than the stipulated height of 4-ft. The Court has also asked to ensure that the safety of idols is maintained.

"The Advocate General has been directed to overlook the status of idols at nine pandals including that of the Firingi Bazaar Puja Committee, Upper Telenga Bazaar Committee. Those pandals which have already started construction of idols exceeding 4-5 ft will be under inspection, based on which the Advocate General will submit the status report before the High Court on Monday. We have apprised all the concerning issues. The HC has further stated that rituals would continue and State government will extend all possible help in this regard." said petitioners' lawyer, Bibhuti Bhusan Choudhury.

The next hearing is scheduled to be held on Monday (October 19).

Earlier, the Commissionerate Police had submitted a report citing that nine pandals/committees have constructed Durga idols exceeding the 4-ft height for the forthcoming Dussehra festivities. However, as per the Puja committees, the idol-making process began much before the State government order and it will be difficult to make alterations.

Because of the Covid situation, the Commissionerate Police has also issued several guidelines which include the celebration of the rituals in a closed atmosphere, no public participation among others for smooth and hassle-free conduct of Durga Puja amid COVID-19 pandemic.

READ: No Durga Idol To Be Over 4 Feet In Cuttack: Sudhanshu Sarangi

READ: Durga Puja- Check Guidelines Issued By Commissionerate Police, No Congregation & Immersion Ceremony This Year