Orissa HC refuses ‘Naba Jaubana’ Darshan Permission to VIPs

In a historic judgement, which put the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) and its chief Suresh Mohapatra in a tight spot, the Orissa High Court has refused ‘Naba Jaubana’ darshan permission to any other people apart from the Sevayats engaged in the rituals.

The SJTA had earlier decided to allow officials and family members of Sevayats to witness the Naba Jaubana, which did not go well with the devotees, who are not allowed to witness this. They questioned the decision made by SJTA to accord VIP status on selected people in a religious affair.

The ‘Naba Jaubana’ darshan during Nabakalebara Rath Yatra was scheduled to be open to the public on July 17 – a day before the Rath Yatra. However, the administration had decided to stop this ritual, citing traffic chaos and rush. However, they found a way to give this chance to the officers and family members of sevayats.

A public interest litigation was filed in the Orissa High Court against the decision of the SJTA. As the court put everyone on the same page, the Babus and Sevayats got a rude shock.