Puri: Senior advocate Priya Hingorani, who has been appointed by the Supreme Court to assist the amicus curiae on Srimandir reforms, Wednesday held discussions with several stakeholders of the 12th century shrine.
Hingorani visited the office of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and talked to senior officials of the shrine soon after paying obeisance to Lord Jagannath in the morning.
According to sources, SJTA chief administrator PK Mohapatra made a detailed presentation on the history and traditions of Srimandir before Hingorani. Mohapatra also explained the rituals and festivals of Srimandir including the Rath Yatra and Nabakalebara to Hingorani. “Mohapatra explained in depth the provisions under Srimandir Act and temple Record of Rights to the assistant to amicus curiae. The SJTA chief told Hingorani that altogether 119 categories of servitors usually provide services to Lord Jagannath,” said a source in the temple administration.
According to sources, Hingorani collected the SJTA’s views on the 12 reform measures suggested by the Supreme Court. She also collected information on the violence and vandalism during a dawn-to-dusk bandh in the Holy City October 3, 2018 which was called to protest the introduction of queue system for devotees at Srimandir.
“We had a detailed discussion on various issues of Srimandir with Hingorani. We have also submitted our views on the 12 reform measures suggested by the apex court. Our officials have submitted several documents to her. We would also send some additional information on various issues to Hingorani through e-mail,” Mohapatra said.
According to Mohapatra, the temple administration basically put forth its views on proposals to abolish servitors’ hereditary rights at Srimandir and put restrictions on collection of donations from devotees by the servitors on the shrine premises. “Hingorani would submit her report to amicus curiae Ranjit Kumar,” Mohapatra said.
Notably, the amicus curiae is scheduled to visit the Holy City February 23 and hold discussions with the SJTA, Gajapati king, Srimandir servitors and other stakeholders for smooth implementation of the reform measures.