In wake of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the annual Rath Yatra and associated activities at the Jagannath Temple in Odisha which was set to commence from June 23.
An NGO in Odisha moved a petition in the SC on June 15 seeking direction to stay on the Rath Yatra. The plea filed by NGO Odisha Vikas Parishad claimed that the entire nation including Odisha is facing an odd situation due to Coronavirus, where the lives of the common people are at a huge risk.
After observing the plea the apex court stayed the annual Rath Yatra and said that such a huge gathering can't take place during the pandemic.
The SC bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde said: "Lord Jagannath won't forgive us if we allow it."
"In the interest of public health and safety of citizens, we restrain the state from holding the Rath Yatra and associated activities. We direct that there shall be no Rath Yatra and associated activities this year", the bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sharad Arvind Bobde ordered.
An NGO in Odisha moved a petition in the SC on June 15 seeking direction to stay on the Rath Yatra. The plea filed by NGO Odisha Vikas Parishad claimed that the entire nation including Odisha is facing an odd situation due to Coronavirus, where the lives of the common people are at a huge risk.
After observing the plea the apex court stayed the annual Rath Yatra and said that such a huge gathering can't take place during the pandemic.
The SC bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde said: "Lord Jagannath won't forgive us if we allow it."
"In the interest of public health and safety of citizens, we restrain the state from holding the Rath Yatra and associated activities. We direct that there shall be no Rath Yatra and associated activities this year", the bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sharad Arvind Bobde ordered.