Puri: Popular Odia jatra (opera) artist Piyush Tripathy, visited the Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri on Monday to seek blessings from Lord Jagannath amid mounting legal uncertainty surrounding his stage performances.
Tripathy is currently facing legal pressure due to an alleged breach of contract filed by the Surya Mandir Opera troupe. The dispute has resulted in a temporary court order restraining him from performing on any jatra stage, casting doubt over his participation in the upcoming Khandagiri Jatra.
After offering prayers at the temple, Tripathy expressed deep faith in Lord Jagannath, saying the controversy surrounding him would ultimately be resolved by Mahaprabhu. “I am very happy after having darshan of Mahaprabhu. The dispute that has arisen about me will be decided by Him. I am waiting patiently. With the love of the audience and the blessings of Mahaprabhu, I will definitely return to the stage,” he said.
The fate of the celebrated artist remains uncertain after the Bhubaneswar Civil Judge Court on January 14 reserved its judgment in the contract dispute. The order is expected to be delivered soon. Until then, the interim stay on Tripathy’s performances will remain in force.
The case was filed by Surya Mandir Opera troupe, which alleged that Tripathy violated a prior agreement by joining another opera troupe. The court heard arguments from both parties for nearly two hours before reserving its decision.
Tripathy has categorically denied having any contractual obligation with Surya Mandir Opera. He has maintained that he legally entered into a five-year agreement with Singhbahini Opera troupe and began performing with them from January 5.
However, following a petition by Surya Mandir Opera, the court on January 6 directed that Tripathy should refrain from performing with any opera troupe until further orders.
Since receiving the court notice, Tripathy has stayed away from all jatra stages.
If the court lifts the restriction, Tripathy is expected to make an immediate return to the jatra stage. If the verdict goes against him, sources say he may approach a higher court seeking relief.
