SC Finally Allows Jagannath Rath Yatra At Puri On Conditions
⚖️ Supreme Court Finally Allows Jagannath Rath Yatra at Puri on Conditions
1. Background
The Jagannath Rath Yatra is a major annual religious festival in Puri, Odisha, attracting millions of devotees.
In recent years, due to concerns such as COVID-19 pandemic, law and order, or public safety, there were restrictions or bans imposed on the Yatra.
Various petitions were filed challenging or seeking permission for the Yatra.
The Supreme Court was approached to adjudicate on the matter, balancing constitutional rights of religious freedom with public safety and health concerns.
2. Supreme Court’s Decision
The Supreme Court, after hearing all parties, allowed the Jagannath Rath Yatra to proceed, but with specific conditions to ensure safety and compliance with law. The conditions generally include:
Strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols, including social distancing, use of masks, and sanitization.
Limited number of participants to avoid overcrowding.
Effective coordination between state authorities and the temple administration for crowd management.
Deployment of adequate police and medical staff to manage law and order and emergencies.
Monitoring by local and state authorities to ensure compliance with the conditions.
Prohibition or regulation of activities that may endanger public safety or violate law.
3. Legal and Constitutional Considerations
Article 25 of the Constitution of India guarantees freedom of conscience and free profession, practice, and propagation of religion, subject to public order, morality, and health.
The Court balanced fundamental right to religion with the State’s duty to protect public health and safety under Articles 14, 19, and 21.
The right to hold religious processions is not absolute and can be regulated in the interest of public order and health.
4. Relevant Supreme Court Case Law
a) S. R. Bommai v. Union of India, AIR 1994 SC 1918
Held that religious freedoms can be restricted in the interest of public order and security.
The Court emphasized the harmonious balance between fundamental rights and public safety.
b) A. S. Narayana Deekshitulu v. State of Andhra Pradesh, AIR 1996 SC 1071
Affirmed that the State can regulate religious activities if they endanger public order or health.
c) Rev. Stainislaus v. State of Madhya Pradesh, AIR 1977 SC 908
The Court held that religious freedoms are subject to restrictions in the interest of public health and morality.
d) Indian Young Lawyers Association v. State of Kerala, (2018) 11 SCC 1
Highlighted the need to balance religious practices with constitutional principles, especially gender equality and public safety.
5. Principles Applied
| Principle | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Freedom of Religion (Art. 25) | Right to practice religion, subject to law and public order |
| Public Order & Health | State can impose reasonable restrictions to protect these |
| Reasonable Restrictions | Restrictions must be proportionate and justified |
| Balancing Test | Weighing individual rights against societal interests |
6. Implications
The decision affirms the right to conduct religious festivals but emphasizes responsible exercise of such rights.
Sets precedent for regulated conduct of mass religious gatherings in sensitive times like pandemics.
Highlights the role of judicial oversight in safeguarding both constitutional rights and public welfare.
7. Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Jagannath Rath Yatra at Puri under specified conditions exemplifies a balanced approach respecting religious freedom while ensuring public safety. It reaffirms that religious rights, though fundamental, are not absolute and can be subject to reasonable restrictions.
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