Orissa High Court Directs ASI to Begin Repair of Puri Jagannath Temple’s Nata Mandap

Cuttack: In a significant development, the Orissa High Court issued a directive today instructing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to commence repairs on the Nata Mandap of the Puri Jagannath temple starting November 16. The repair progress will be closely monitored by an Amicus Curiae appointed by the Court, who will submit reports every 15 days.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for the case, previously filed in relation to this matter, on December 4. It’s noteworthy that the ASI’s proposed repair work commencement date of November 24 was outrightly rejected by the High Court.

Earlier, the Court-appointed Amicus Curiae had discovered evidence of wear and tear in the structures of the 12th Century Vaishnavite shrine. Expressing concern over cracks observed on a beam in the Nata Mandap, the Amicus Curiae will play a crucial role in overseeing the repair process and ensuring timely updates on the progress.