SG to SC : No Rath Yatra For Next 12 Years, If Stay Not Lifted

Bhubaneswar : While asserting that Rath Yatra in Puri can be allowed to be held this year without public participation in view of COVID-19 pandemic, the Centre today told the Supreme Court that if the stay on the festival is not lifted, there can be no Rath Yatra for the next 12 years.

“It is a matter of faith for crores. If Lord Jagannath will not come out tomorrow, he cannot come out for 12 years as per traditions,” said Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra.

Odisha government can impose curfew for a day and conduct Rath Yatra which is scheduled to be held on June 23, Mehta said.