The Supreme Court can these days take up the petition, seeking cancellation of Rath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 12 in Puri, Odisha, given the surge in cases of Novel Coronavirus.

The bench, held by judge N.V. Ramana, can hear the plea filed by Odisha Vikash Parishad, seeking cancellation of the Chariot pageant dedicated to Lord by keeping view, seeable of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier on June 21, the apex court had allowed the Puri Rath Yatra with restrictions asked the authorities and therefore the Centre to figure in tandem. A bench headed by then judge S.A. Bobde noted that the authorities have the liberty to prevent the Rath Yatra if it discovered a spike within the variety of COVID-19 cases in Puri.

During the hearing, the then judge had noted that the court was willing to change its June eighteen order, taking into view the Novel Coronavirus pandemic. The Court aforesaid the Jagannatha Temple management committee and authorities will conduct the Rath Yatra under the rules. The court directed the Rath Yatra in a very restricted manner while not permitting a devotee congregation. The Odisha government agreed to coordinate with the Centre.

-Report by PAROMITA MAITRA