Bhubaneswar/New Delhi/Puri: The power of the Lords has finally got the SC moving and also the decision for the chariots to roll on Puri Badadanda a few hours later tomorrow. After 17 petitions were moved in the SC to get a nod to let the centuries-old Rath Yatra going, the apex court today modified its previous directive and gave a nod to the grand festival though with the rider that the whole affair will be held without any public participation in view of COVID-19 pandemic.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court in a landmark directive had stayed Rath Yatra asking to limit all rituals to the temple premises. The decision had shattered the hopes of all devotees, servitors, and people cutting across several sections of the society.
The Centre and the State government earlier today sought permission from the SC to conduct Rath Yatra with precautions. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, mentioning the matter before a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, said that the entire festival can be telecasted live adding, "If Lord Jagannath will not come out tomorrow, he cannot come out for 12 years as per traditions."
During the SC hearing today, the SG said that the belief needs to be taken care of so that health is not compromised and said the State govt has also stated that Rath yatra can be limited to Puri temple alone.
Harish Salve, while representing the Odisha government, said, "We will coordinate with the temple committee and the Union too. If we need help, we will reach out to the centre. It can be taken on record.
Following the SC ruling, Odisha Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy said, "I am confident that Rath Yatra will be conducted smoothly tomorrow without devotees and with strict adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines."
Moreover, as per the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah today held a discussion with Puri Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb over the conduct of RathYatra and inquired about the arrangements made for the annual sojourn of the deities.
Reactions following the SC nod to hold Rath Yatra:
Meanwhile, Pujapanda servitors today brought 'Agyan Mala' to the chariots on the Ratha Khala in Puri for their initiation and performed the Agyan Mala Bije rituals. Later, the chariots of the Holy Trinity were taken from the chariot construction site to the Singhadwara.
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