SC stays this year’s Puri Rath Yatra due to COVID-19 pandemic

The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra scheduled for June 23 in Puri, Odisha.

“Lord Jagannath won’t forgive us if we allow the yatra,” Chief Justice S.A. Bobde observed orally.

In the court order, the CJI observed that the rath yatra normally draws a crowd of 10-13 lakh and continues for a period of 10-15 days. The court said such a large gathering raises public health and safety concerns during a pandemic.    

The court further directed there should be no activity — secular or religious — associated with the rath yatra.

Update by Akankshya Mohanta.