Seeking to overturn centuries-old tradition of not allowing non-Hindus to enter Shri Jagannath Temple at Puri in Odisha, the Supreme Court on Thursday asked the temple management to consider opening it to everyone irrespective of his/her faith.
“The temple management may consider, subject to regulatory measures, with regard to dress code, giving of an appropriate declaration or compliance with other directions, permitting every visitor irrespective of his faith, to offer respects and to make offerings to the deity,” a Bench headed by Justice AK Goel said.
“We have noted that Hinduism does not eliminate any other belief and is eternal faith and wisdom and inspiration of centuries, as noted in earlier judgments of this Court,” said the Bench, which also included Justice S Abdul Nazeer.
Built during the 11th century, Shri Jagannath Temple is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of lord Vishnu. Like many other Hindu temples, non-Hindus are not allowed to enter it.
The Bench, which was hearing a PIL filed by Mrinalini Padhi highlighting the problems faced by devotees, said, “The issue of difficulties faced by the visitors, exploitative practices, deficiencies in the management, maintenance of hygiene, proper utilization of offerings and protection of assets may require consideration with regard to all shrines throughout the India, irrespective of religion practiced in such shrines.”
It directed that “if any devotee moves the jurisdictional District Judge throughout the India with any grievance on the above aspect, the District Judge may either himself/herself or by assigning the issue/matter to any other court under his/her jurisdiction examine above aspects and if necessary send a report to the High Court.
“We have no doubt that the High Court will consider these aspects in public interest in accordance with law and issue such judicial directions as becomes necessary having regard to individual fact situation,” said the Bench.
The top court also accepted a report submitted by the District Judge and ordered implementation of his suggestion to abolish the practice of hereditary appointment of sevaks and to prohibit collection of money for “Annadan Atika” by sevaks.
It also directed the temple management to take control of the temple kitchen and audit of accounts by the State Accountant General.
It asked the Centre to constitute a committee as directed by it in two weeks so that it can submit its interim report by August 3.
The Bench said, “Difficulties faced by the visitors, deficiencies in management, maintenance of hygiene, appropriate utilisation of offerings and protections of assets with regard to shrines, irrespective of religion is a matter for consideration not only for the state government, Central Government but also for courts.
“Every District Judge throughout India may examine such matters himself or through any court under his jurisdiction and send a report to the High Court concerned so that such report can be treated as PIL on the judicial side and such direction may be issued as may be considered necessary having regard to individual fact situation, said the top court.
Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee assured the court that the Ministry of Culture will take due interest in the matter as the issue involved protection of cultural heritage of the country.
