Jagannath Rath Yatra At Ranchi- "Take Your Own Decision": Jharkhand High Court To State Govt

Dealing with a PIL filed by Jagannathpur Mandir Nyas Samittee seeking permission to perform/celebrate the ritual/festival of Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ranchi on July 12 and 20, 2021, the Jharkhand High Court asked the State Government to "take its own decision" keeping in mind Supreme Court's directions.

The Bench of Chief Justice Dr. Ravi Ranjan and Justice S. N. Prasad ordered thus:

"(the Court is) disposing of the instant writ petition by directing the State to take its own decision with regard to the grievance of the petitioner well before the Rath Yatra Puja. However, while taking such a decision, directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in this regard should be followed."

It may be noted that Lord Jagannath Temple situated in Ranchi, Jharkhand was established in the year 1691 and since then, Rath Yatra festival is being celebrated every year in the month of June/July and during this period, 10 days Mela/Fair is also being organized and the same is concluded after the return of the Lord Jagannath to his home.

This is similar to the festival which takes place in the Lord Jagannath Temple situated at Puri.

The Counsel for the Committee referred to the decision of the Supreme Court wherein it issued guidelines in this regard for performing rituals at Puri in the State of Orissa.

Thus, it was argued that the same relaxation ought to have been granted by the State of Jharkhand so that the rituals of Lord Jagannath in the district of Ranchi be also observed for which sewayat who are 61 in number are ready to observe the SOPs.

Lastly, the petitioner contended that the State of Jharkhand has put restrictions in congregations of more than 50 persons but here in the Committee, the number of sewayat are 61, as such, at least that part of the guideline dated 30.06.2021, where the congregations of more than 50 persons is prohibited, may be extended up to 61 persons.

On the other hand, the State Government argued that on the issue of reopening of Maa Chhinnamastika Temple, the Jharkhand Court had refused to issue any mandamus upon the State, however, leaving such decision open to be taken by the competent authority of the State Government.

Therefore, it was prayed that the instant writ petition may also be disposed of in terms of the said order.

Case title - Jagannathpur Mandir Nyas Samittee v. The State of Jharkhand

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