Srimandir Reforms: Amicus curiae's counsel holds meeting with temple chief administrator

Puri: During her visit to Puri, Priya Hingorani, the assisting counsel to amicus curiae Ranjit Kumar, today held discussions with chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and other senior administrative officials in connection with Srimandir reforms.

SJTA chief administrator Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra informed that discussions were held on Supreme Court's suggested reforms.

"We held discussions with Priya Hingorani today on various issues of Srimandir. We have handed over relevant documents and will send some other documents through mail. Amicus curiae Ranjit Kumar will visit Puri on February 22 and will meet Gajapati Maharaj on February 23," Mohapatra said.

Hingorani is scheduled to meet senior servitors of the 12th century shrine.

Earlier this month, during a hearing in the apex court, the amicus curiae had said one of the major issues in Puri temple was lack of proper crowd management and absence of queue system for the devotees. The Supreme Court bench headed by Justice A K Sikri later posted the matter for further hearing on February 27.

The top court is dealing with a plea highlighting the difficulties faced by the devotees at Jagannath temple and alleged harassment or exploitation by the ‘servitors’ of the temple.