Bhubaneswar: Popular Odia jatra actor Piyush Tripathy has received major interim relief from the court, which has permitted him to resume stage performances while the legal dispute over an alleged contract breach continues. With the restriction lifted, audiences will once again be able to watch Piyush perform on the jatra stage from today.
The legal trouble began after the Surya Mandir Opera troupe owner filed a case at the Bhubaneswar Civil Judge Court accusing Piyush of violating a contractual agreement by joining another opera troupe. Acting on the complaint, the court had earlier issued a notice to the actor and imposed a temporary restraint, preventing him from performing with any jatra troupe until further orders. Following the directive, Piyush stayed away from all stage performances.
Piyush’s counsel, Bibhu Tripathy, confirmed that the court has quashed its interim order and has now allowed the actor to perform, though the main case remains pending. The Bhubaneswar Civil Judge Court heard arguments from both sides for nearly two hours and reserved its judgment on January 14.
Amid the legal uncertainty, Piyush visited the Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri on Monday to seek blessings from Lord Jagannath. After offering prayers, he expressed confidence that the controversy would be resolved. He said he was happy after having darshan of Mahaprabhu and believed that the dispute surrounding him would be decided with divine grace. Tripathy added that with the blessings of Lord Jagannath and the continued love of his audience, he would definitely return to the jatra stage.
Surya Mandir Opera troupe owner has alleged that Piyush breached an earlier agreement by joining another troupe. The actor, however, has categorically denied having any contractual obligation with the company. He has maintained that he legally entered into a five-year agreement with Singhabahini Opera troupe and began performing with them from January 5. Following a petition by Surya Mandir Opera, the court on January 6 had directed Tripathy to refrain from performing until further orders. With the interim relief now granted, Tripathy is expected to resume performances immediately.
