Jagannathpur temple: Jharkhand HC gives Religious Trust Board 2 weeks to submit management scheme
Ranchi, July 7: The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday granted the Jharkhand State Religious Trust Board two weeks to submit a draft…
Ranchi, July 7: The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday granted the Jharkhand State Religious Trust Board two weeks to submit a draft scheme for the administration of the historic Jagannathpur Temple in Ranchi, while directing the state government to ensure foolproof security and smooth conduct of the upcoming Rath Yatra Mela.
Hearing a batch of petitions related to the management of the temple, Justice Ananda Sen was informed by the Trust Board that it was in the process of preparing a comprehensive management scheme and sought additional time to comply with the court’s earlier directions.
The court accepted the request and posted the matter for further hearing on July 22.
HC Directs State to Ensure Smooth Rath Yatra
During the hearing, Advocate General Rohitashwa Roy informed the court that the earlier direction regarding deployment of police personnel had been modified and that armed police personnel had now been deployed for the security of the temple.
Taking note of the submission, the High Court directed the state government to ensure that there is no impediment to the forthcoming Rath Yatra Mela and ordered adequate deployment of security forces and all necessary administrative assistance.
Court Monitoring Temple Administration Dispute
The High Court has been closely monitoring the dispute over the administration of Jagannathpur Temple through a batch of writ petitions.
On June 23, the court observed that there were serious disputes, claims and counterclaims between rival groups over the management of the temple. One faction claims to be the legitimate trustees, while the Jharkhand State Religious Trust Board has issued a notification under Section 29 of the Bihar Hindu Religious Trusts Act, 1950, superseding the existing committee.
Observing that the temple and the deity, Lord Jagannath, were the ultimate sufferers because of the prolonged dispute, Justice Sen directed the Trust Board to prepare a draft management scheme for the temple.
Security Directions Followed Murder Probe
The court’s intervention on temple security began on June 17, when it was informed that the Jagannathpur Temple premises lacked adequate security following developments linked to the investigation into the murder of a temple guard. Counsel submitted that the temple complex remained vulnerable, particularly during night hours.
The High Court directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ranchi, to deploy sufficient police personnel round the clock for the protection of the temple and devotees and sought a compliance report.
When the matter was taken up again on June 23, the Advocate General submitted the compliance report, informing the court that police personnel had been deployed at the temple. However, after examining the report, Justice Sen noted that only unarmed police personnel had been posted and directed that at least two armed police personnel be deployed by suitably modifying the deployment order.
On Tuesday, the Advocate General informed the court that the earlier order had since been complied with and armed police personnel were now stationed at the temple.
The matter will next be heard on July 22.
