An organisation from Odisha, move to the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the possible celebration of the annual Rath Yatra at Puri’s Jagannath Temple on June 23, in the light of increasing COVID-19 cases.
Stating the event of the Tablighi Jamaat, the plea stated that religious flock can cause a shoot in COVID-19 cases, thus in order to avoid any similar occurence of outbreak of COVID-19 cases, a religious gathering in the nature of Rath Yatra festival ought to be avoided.”
Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Centre, urged the Court that some other ritual instead of the Rath Yatra can be permitted. But, Senior Advocate Harish Salve, appearing for the state of Odisha apprised the Court of the dangers of congregation if any celebration is held.
The three-judge Bench of Chief Justice of India SA Bobde and Justices AS Bopanna and Dinesh Maheshwari, while staying the procession said- “A procession of this magnitude cannot be permitted at the time of a pandemic.”
Lawcutor 