Bhubaneswar: A crucial meeting was held on Tuesday to discuss the Srimandir law system in the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri. The chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, informed the media that the current law lacks stringent punishments, and therefore, a proposal will be made to the state government to amend the temple act.
The proposal includes four key points:
– Using a mobile phone intentionally within the temple premises will attract punishment, with the current fine of Rs. 1000 likely to be increased.
– Deliberately violating the cultural dignity of Mahaprabhu Jagannath or posting content on social media that hurts the religious sentiments of devotees will lead to strict punishment, including non-bailable arrest warrants for up to 7 years.
– Unauthorised drone flying over the temple will be met with strict punishment and Non-Bailable Warrants (NBW).
– Punishment can be imposed under the Temple Act 1955 on the advice of the temple management committee, which may include imprisonment for up to three years.
The SJTA aims to maintain the sanctity and dignity of the temple, and these proposed amendments are expected to strengthen the existing laws and regulations. The proposal will be submitted to the state government for approval.