Orissa HC Directs ASI To Submit Report On Jagamohan, Ratna Bhandar Repairs Since 2017

Cuttack: The Orissa High Court has issued a directive to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to provide a detailed report on the progress made since 2017 in the restoration of Puri Srimandir’s Jagamohan and Ratna Bhandar. This action comes following two simultaneous petitions, one related to Jagamohan and the other to Ratna Bhandar.

Acting Chief Justice BR Sarangi expressed concern over the lack of progress in repairing these crucial structures and emphasized the need to understand the steps taken thus far since 2017. The ASI is expected to submit its report by the upcoming hearing date on November 8.

In a related development, the Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee (SJTMC) recently approved the use of laser scanning technology to assess and repair cracks in the Srimandir Ratna Bhandar, the temple’s treasure trove. The ASI is scheduled to conduct the laser scanning on November 28, following Kartika Purnima.

The announcement of laser scanning by SJTMC has sparked criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has accused the government of planning to scan the Ratna Bhandar rather than opening it. The BJP is demanding the immediate opening of the Ratna Bhandar before the inauguration of the Srimandir Parikrama Project.

It’s important to note that the Orissa High Court, in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by former BJP state President Samir Mohanty, had previously directed the government to establish a high-level committee, if recommended by SJTMC, to oversee the inventorying of valuables stored in the Ratna Bhandar.