SC directive on Srimandir affairs: Affidavits filed in Puri court

Puri: Several outfits including Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Arya Samaj along with various servitor forums of Puri Srimandir submitted affidavits in the Puri District and Sessions Court following Supreme Court's directive on the management of the temple.

While the VHP in an affidavit sought handover of some responsibilities to Puri Shankaracharya Nischalananda Saraswati and Puri King Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb; Arya Samaj and servitor group Sudu Suara Nijog requested for disciplined darshan of devotees and regulation of prices of Mahaprasad.

“Reforms are needed. The temple administration should delegate some responsibilities to the Puri Seer and the Gajapati King and an environment of trust should be created,” Badri Pattnaik, working chairman of VHP said.

“The government has been unable to manage the affairs of the temple as per the record of rights,” said Manoj Kumar Dasmohapatra, additional secretary of the Sudu Suara Nijog.

Following the Supreme Court’s directive to the Puri District and Sessions Judge to submit a report by June 30, the Puri court had invited suggestions from public through affidavits.

The apex court had directed the Puri court to look into the management of Srimandir after hearing a case pertaining to mismanagement and harassment of devotees at the 12th century shrine.

The Supreme Court direction came up while hearing a PIL filed by Mrunalini Padhi of Cuttack.