MRINALINI PADHI v. UNION OF INDIA & OTHERS

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A (xv) It appears from the Managing Committee response that lot needs to be done with respect to having proper darshan by people at large. As a matter of fact, there should not be any commotion and chaos as large number of pilgrims are visiting the Temple every day. It is a pious duty to provide proper darshan in systematic manner B and to take care of the aged, the infirm and children. It is for the experts to suggest what system can be devised without disturbances to the rituals to be performed in Temple and passage required for it and thereafter Temple Management Committee and Administration C have to consider it. We direct the Temple Administration and the Chief Administrator including the State Government to prepare a roadmap with the help of experts for having proper darshan by the devotees/ pilgrims and to implement it effectively and to ensure that there is no commotion so that everybody is able to have darshan peacefully without any obstruction by anybody. (xvi) There are certain incidents which have been pointed out in the report relating to the misbehavior with the women, snatching of ornaments, etc. There should not be any room for any such incident in the Sanctum-Santorum and other Temples situated around. If such incidents are taking place, it has to be dealt with all seriousness with firm hand and there should not be any room for such incidents. Unlawful elements are responsible for doing such acts have to be removed out of the premises at all costs. We direct the Temple Administration and also the Temple Police to ensure that let there be a dedicated section of personnel to tighten security inside the temple and only to ensure that no such incident takes place in the Temples and no misbehavior is meted out to women. G Those found involved in such acts cannot be said to be believer in the God also. When such an act is performed in the Temple, it is very disrespectful to Shri Jagannath and the Sanskruti. There is no place for such unlawful activities in Temples. The temple authorities and the police are directed to take strict action to avoid such H incidents.

MRINALINI PADHI v. UNION OF INDIA & OTHERS 859 [ARUN MISHRA, J.]

(xvii) With respect to valuables of the Temple, let the Temple A Management place before this Court, what kind of inventory it has prepared? How it proposes to secure the valuables of the Temple and ornaments offered by the devotees? (xviii) Learned Amicus Curiae has also pointed out that there is need for an effluent treatment plant and waste management system which is one of the requirements for keeping the area clean and hygienic for devotees. The State Government can also spend money in this regard, as it is a secular activity. Let proper effluent treatment plant and waste management system be set up with the help of experts by the Temple Administration and the State Government as may be considered appropriate. (xix) Learned Amicus Curiae has also pointed out that there is a necessity for separate toilets for male and female. We direct that let the toilets be provided with modern amenities and should be kept absolutely clean. The number of toilets shall be adequate having regard to the average footfall in the temple, which is large in number. E (xx) There is a necessity pointed out about the cloak rooms. Let steps be taken by the Temple Administration in this regard. (xxi) As pointed out in the report, there is necessity for motorcycle stand. Let steps be taken to provide motorcycle stand within a period of 4 months, not only for servitors, but also for those who are visiting the Temple on their own vehicle and it is for the local Administration to work out the proper place for such purpose. (xxii) As there are various reports which have been submitted from time to time containing various suggestions. What steps have been taken with respect to the suggestions pointed out in these reports, shall also be considered by the Temple Management at the first instance and whatever is done by the other stakeholders like State H

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A Government and others, should also be considered by respective stakeholders. In case they have taken any action, be also report to this Court. (xxiii) Considering the overall situation and the facts, we direct the State Government to depute full time Chief B Administrator, not by way of additional charge forthwith. One of the positive developments is that of introduction of E- Portal. Constant endeavor has to be made to improve upon the information made available. It appears from the reports that there are various temples of importance and different systems of having darshan. C It is for the Temple Committee to place such information on website. We place on record our appreciation that all the stakeholders are happy with the development which is taking place at the instance of State Government and they are cooperating with each other in restoration of glory of Lord Shri Jagannath Temple. We direct ASI also to cooperate and to permit the activities of improvement which are not prima facie objectionable and are necessary for public hygiene, sanitation and public health and upgradation of the facilities and at the same time it has to ensure that the form of the new structure is maintained in the same manner as the ancient one. Let the Temple Management Committee consider various other positive aspects for improvement and invite all the stakeholders including the State Government, whose cooperation is necessary in permissible matters, to take care of finance in the various development activities. The Temple Management Committee has to take steps as it is the sole repository of faith. The progress report and the decisions taken shall be submitted in this Court within eight weeks, in the form of an action taken report. List the matter on 8th January, 2020.

Kalpana K. Tripathy Directions issued. G