Srimandir reforms: SC-appointed amicus curiae reaches Puri

Bhubaneswar: Former Solicitor General of India and Supreme Court-appointed amicus curiae Ranjit Kumar reached Odisha today to hold discussions with several stakeholders in connection with reforms suggested by the apex court to streamline darshan at the Puri Jagannath Temple.

After reaching Bhubaneswar airport today, the amicus curiae visited Puri where he sought blessings of Lord Jagannath.

Ahead of the crucial hearing on February 27 on the reform measures suggested by the Supreme Court, the amicus curiae will discuss the status of implementation with the temple administration, State government, servitor associations, the Puri King, Shankaracharya and other stakeholders.

Sources said the senior advocate is likely to discuss several issues like grievances over abolition of hereditary appointment of servitors, prohibition of collection of money for Annadan Atika from devotees and amendment of Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1954.

The amicus curiae will submit a report of his findings to the Supreme Court before February 27.

Senior advocate Priya Hingorani, who has been appointed by the Supreme Court to assist the amicus curiae had earlier visited Puri on Wednesday and held discussions with the stakeholders.