The Supreme Court on Tuesday quashed two petitions challenging the eviction of structures adjacent to the Meghnad Pacheri (boundary wall) of the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
The verdict followed Odisha Advocate General’s statement in the apex court that the eviction drive is carried out on the basis of recommendations of the BP Das Commission formed by the State government to suggest reforms in functioning of the 12th-century temple.
Next hearing on the matter will be held on September 17.
Notably, two petitions were filed by the Intercontinental Lawyers’ Association and a resident of Chennai, respectively, challenging the demolition of structures up to 75 metre from the Meghnad Pacheri.
Since August 19, the Puri district administration has begun eviction of the structures, including private properties, shoe stands, Government installations like a power supply building, the temple information centre and a police outpost to ensure safety and security of the temple.