Puri judge holds meet with Jagannath Temple administration

Puri: Puri District Judge Ambuja Mohan Das on Monday held meeting with officials of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Chief Administrator Pradeep Kumar Jena and other senior officials for implementation of recent Supreme Court directive to improve the functioning of the 12th-century shrine here.

The apex court on June 8 asked Puri District Judge to submit a report on June 30.

The Supreme Court took serious note of the frequent mismanagement and harassment of devotees by servitors at Jagannath temple.

It asked Puri District Judge to give a report on factual aspects of difficulties faced by visitors, exploitative practices (if any), deficiencies in the temple management (if any) and suggestions to improve the overall functioning of the temple.

The court also asked the temple administration to pay remuneration to servitors and ensure their better financial condition.

Meanwhile, Daitapati Nijog president Ramkrushna Das Mohapatra said Supreme Court should reconsider its decision as mere 5 % servitors are rich while remaining 95 % servitors depends on donation by devotees at Puri Srimandir.