New Delhi: The Union government today requested the Supreme Court that the historic Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra in Puri can be allowed to be held this year without public participation in view of the coronavirus pandemic.
Seeking modification of the apex court’s 18 June order staying the yatra, the government said, “the tradition of centuries may not be stopped.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who mentioned the matter before a bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra, said, “It is a matter of faith for crores. If Lord Jagannath will not come out tomorrow, he cannot come out for 12 years as per traditions.”
The State government can impose curfew for a day, Mehta said. The Odisha government also supported the Centre’s stand in the apex court, which is likely to hear the modification plea during the day itself.
Chief Justice of India S A Bobde has set up a three-judge bench to hear pleas on Monday for holding of Puri Rath Yatra. The Puri Rath Yatra is scheduled from 23 June.