Puri: The Supreme Court on Monday directed Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to appoint a permanent administrator of the managing committee while passing an interim judgement on Srimandir reforms.
A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra issued 22 directives and directed SJTA to come up with accommodation facility for 60,000 pilgrims. The apex court further directed Odisha government to set up a waste treatment plant in Puri, establish schools & colleges in collaboration with SJTA to promote Jagannath culture.
Speaking on the directives, Advocate General of Odisha, Ashok Parija said, "The top court's decision to appoint a permanent administrator of the managing committee was already suggested by the amicus curiae and mentioned in the report by justice B P Das Commission."
Senior servitor Binayak Dasmohapatra said, “We completely welcome and accept the apex court’s interim judgement on appointing a permanent administrator. Even though we are yet to get the official copy of the judgement, the servitors have expressed satisfaction on the verdict.”
Earlier, the Supreme Court had reviewed status reports on 12 proposals including safety of Srimandir’s property, hassle-free darshan by devotees, stopping donation and other aspects submitted by the amicus curiae and Odisha government.
Representatives of various Nijogs of Srimandir were asked to submit their views in this regard. A demand for setting up of a committee was also made before the apex court to look after the issue of people who were displaced during the recent eviction drive near Srimandir.