SC rejects pleas against Odisha govt order on Rath Yatra

The Supreme Court has rejected all the pleas against the Odisha government's order on confining Rath Yatra to Puri due to the second wave of Covid-19. Even the Jagannath Temple in Puri has been ordered to hold a very restricted yatra. Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said the state government has evaluated the Covid situation and there is no question of interfering. The CJI said that people who want to worship can pray while sitting back at their home.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has suggested that yatras can be allowed by limiting numbers and imposing restrictions. Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena said the Odisha government has decided to impose similar restrictions like last year during Rath Yatra, which is scheduled to be held on July 12.