In view of COVID-19, Odisha has restricted Rath Yatra to Puri Jagannath temple. (Representative Image)A number of petitions by individuals and organizations seeking permission to hold rathyatras in other places than the Jagannath Temple at Puri, Odisha were rejected by the Supreme Court on July 6.A Chief Justice of India (CJI), NV Ramana, headed the bench said it would not interfere in the Disaster Management Act directives passed by the state government.We are sorry. The bench also expressed regret.In view of COVID-19, the state government permitted the annual rath-yatra to be performed only at Puri Jagannath Temple.Jagannath Rath Yatra 2021: Devotees to be barred this year too, only fully vaccinated servitors allowedWe are not experts in COVID-19. This is not a matter for you to probe into. Website Bar and Bench quoted the CJI as saying, "Let the government decide."Chief Justice Ramana dismissed the petitions and said that "we hope and trust god will allow next Rath Yatra at minimum."The chief justice stated that people can pray to God from their homes if they so desire. He said, "I also wanted the Puri Jagannath Temple to be visited, but now is not a good time."The annual ritual of the rath-yatra of Lord Jagannath, Odishas Puri, is set for July 12.Numerous state governments in the country have banned or reduced pilgrimages and other religious events due to the coronavirus epidemic.(With inputs from PTI
