Bhubaneswar: In a decisive move aimed at resolving long-standing land disputes, the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Puri, has pledged to implement the significant verdict delivered by the Orissa High Court concerning the settlement of temple land. This commitment underscores a renewed focus on safeguarding the extensive properties belonging to the revered Lord Jagannath.
The Orissa High Court’s landmark judgment mandates close coordination between the Law Department and the SJTA to ensure the robust protection of the temple’s assets. This directive comes in the wake of a legal battle where the High Court ruled in favor of the temple administration regarding a case involving the encroachment of approximately 15 acres of valuable temple land in Jatni Tehsil, Khurda district, by an organization.
The SJTA conveyed its firm resolve on social media, stating its unwavering commitment to protecting the properties of the Puri temple. The successful legal representation saw Advocate General Pitambar Acharya presenting a strong case on behalf of the temple, while Chief Administrator Dr. Arabinda Padhee personally appeared in court to advocate for the interests of the deity’s land. Advocate Anand Chandra Swain diligently handled the case for the temple administration.
Issuing a stern warning, Chief Administrator Dr. Padhee asserted that any attempts by vested individuals or institutions to encroach upon temple land would not be tolerated. He further outlined the administration’s strategy for safeguarding these assets, which includes the computerization of all temple properties to ensure complete transparency, alongside strict adherence to the Uniform Policy and the Shree Jagannath Temple Act, 1955.
In the coming days, the SJTA will issue detailed guidelines for the comprehensive management of the temple’s landholdings, reinforcing its commitment to strictly comply with the High Court’s order.
The High Court, in its order issued on Friday, emphasized the critical need for seamless coordination and timely communication between the Law Department and the Temple Administration in all matters related to the alienation, lease, or mutation of temple lands. The court explicitly stated that no sanction or approval regarding temple land transactions would be considered valid unless it strictly adheres to statutory requirements. These requirements include prior recommendations from competent land committees and valuation by the district sub-registrar, as mandated by law.
Expressing concern over past irregularities, the court observed that substantial tracts of land endowed to Lord Jagannath, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas, have been lost from the effective control of the temple administration due to flawed alienations of immovable property.
To rectify these issues, the court directed the concerned revenue and land records authorities to take immediate action to correct entries related to properties held in the name of Lord Jagannath. This aims to ensure that official records accurately reflect the true legal status of the land, consistent with the provisions of the SJTA and other applicable laws.
Furthermore, the State Government has been instructed to review the existing provisions and procedural mechanisms under the SJTA, specifically Section 16(2), to address significant loopholes that have facilitated unauthorized alienation and mutation of temple properties.
This proactive stance by the SJTA, bolstered by the High Court’s clear directives, signals a strong intent to reclaim and protect the invaluable land assets of the Shree Jagannath Temple, ensuring their preservation for future generations.