Odisha govt to decide on Puri Rath Yatra: Directs HC

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Tuesday said the Odisha government will decide on holding of Rath Yatra in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Centre.

The High Court has ruled that the state government must take an early decision on the matter before June 23.

The High Court conducted a hearing on PIL filed by Surendra Panigrahi, President Bharatiya Bikash Parishad, on May 22 for postponement of world-famous Rath Yatra of Puri.

The Bharatiya Bikas Parishad sought for cancellation of Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri as COVID-19 positive cases are increasing day by day. In Puri district, more than 108 positive cases were detected till June 8.

Advocates Saroj Ku Padhy, Sk Kullumudin, And Subrat Nayak participated in the entire argument on behalf of petitioner Surendra Panigrahi.

Advocate General Ashok Kumar Parija, who represented the State of Odisha had prayed that the High Court should leave it to the State Government to take a decision on holding of Rath Yatra. He assured the court that the state government will take a holistic decision on the matter.

The High Court agreed with Advocate General’s prayer and disposed off all petitions in the matter.