New Delhi: In a setback to the current agitation demanding a freeze on the ongoing eviction drive around Srimandir, the Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed a petition seeking a stay on the eviction drive in the surroundings of the world famous temple at Puri.
The SC also asked amicus curiae Ranjit Kumar and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to visit Jagannath Temple and take stock of the situation following the eviction drive. A three-judge bench of Justices Arun Mishra, MR Shah and BR Gavai asked both the amicus curiae and the SG to file a report in the SC suggesting further development plans to be carried out on the temple premises.
Advocate general Ashok Parija invited the officers to visit Puri September 9-10. Earlier, the amicus curiae had submitted a comprehensive report suggesting various reforms in Srimandir. The bench will hear the matter September 17. Significantly, the bench dismissed an interlocutory application filed by a Chennai based resident-Arvindalochanan and disposed of a writ petition filed by Inter Continental Association of Lawyers seeking a stay on the State Cabinet’s decision to demolish unauthorized constructions around the temple.
“Any individual affected by the demolition can approach the court. You are an association of lawyers in Delhi. Why are you representing them by sitting here. Can’t the affected people go to court,” the bench observed.