Srimandir Reforms: Amicus Curiae submits report in SC; next hearing on Mar 5

New Delhi/Puri: The Supreme Court-appointed new Amicus Curiae Ranjit Kumar submitted before the Apex Court today that he had visited Puri Srimandir on February 23 in compliance with the Court's order and sought more time to file his response on his visit. The court, on the other hand, adjourned the hearing till March 5 as one of the judges in the three-member bench, Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri was unavailable today.

Earlier on February 23, the Amicus Curiae held discussions with Gajapati Maharaj Dibyasingha Deb, and members of temple managing committee and Chhatisa Nijog on the implementation of the 12-point reforms pointed out by the Supreme Court.

Ranjit Kumar, in his report, has mentioned that religion, devotees, servitors and the administration are four pillars of Puri Srimandir. The process of reforms should not affect the functioning of these four pillars, he stressed.

Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) advocate, Swetaketu Mishra said, "The new Amicus Curiae said that he had held discussions with all stakeholders including the managing committee and as the discussions were elaborate, it is taking time to prepare the report. The main point has been to facilitate the pilgrims who visit the temple and not cause any problem for them."