Puri: In a significant ruling for the protection of religious endowment properties in Odisha, the Commissioner of Consolidation, Odisha, has directed the correction of land records of 28.840 acres in Sankarpur Mouza under Puri Tehsil in the name of Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu Bije, Puri, through the Shri Jagannath Temple Managing Committee.
The land, located adjacent to the Omkareshwar Temple, is estimated to be worth more than ₹600 crore in the present market. The order was passed on October 30, 2026, in Consolidation Revision Case No. 303/2016.
The disputed land, recorded under Hal Khata No. 411, was originally registered in the name of Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu during the 1962-63 settlement following its donation by the then Mahant for the deity. The settlement records published in 1977 also reflected the ownership of the Mahaprabhu through the Uttar Parshwa Math Endowment Trust Board, Puri. The land register prepared during the subsequent consolidation process likewise initially recorded the property in the deity’s name.
However, through an order dated June 18, 2010, passed by the Additional Sub-Collector, Puri, in R.R.C. Case No. 66/2010, the land was transferred in the name of the Mahant. The change was effected within 26 days without the knowledge of the temple administration. Subsequently, a patta was also issued in the Mahant’s name in 2013.
Challenging the disputed land records, the Shri Jagannath Temple Administration approached the Commissioner of Consolidation in 2016. During the proceedings, the temple administration produced historical documents, including the Yadasht record prepared during the settlement, to establish that the land had been dedicated to Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu.
Advocate Ambika Prasad Mishra, appearing for the temple administration, presented several judicial precedents of the Supreme Court and High Courts in support of the deity’s ownership rights.
After examining the documents and hearing the arguments, the Commissioner of Consolidation found serious procedural and legal irregularities in the earlier alteration of land records. The court observed that mandatory notices had not been issued to the Shri Mandir Administrator and the Debottar Commissioner in the original revenue case, depriving them of an opportunity to present their case.
It also took note of the fact that the proceedings had been completed within just 26 days, violating the fundamental principles of natural justice.
Allowing the revision petition, the court set aside the disputed final consolidation record and directed the Tehsildar, Puri, to record the 28.840 acres in the name of Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu Bije, Puri, through the Shri Jagannath Temple Managing Committee.
The ruling underscored that a deity is legally recognised as a perpetual minor and that its properties require appropriate legal protection to safeguard its interests.
The order is being viewed as a significant step towards protecting valuable religious endowment properties and ensuring proper maintenance of historical land records. The Board of Revenue, Odisha, has also been prioritising the speedy disposal of such cases and the removal of procedural hurdles through regular reviews.
Welcoming the ruling, the Chief Administrator of Shri Jagannath Temple said the temple administration had consistently been taking steps to protect the Mahaprabhu’s landed properties, ensure accurate maintenance of records and secure their legal rights. He expressed hope that any future irregularities or illegal actions concerning the deity’s properties would receive necessary legal attention.
The temple administration also acknowledged the timely cooperation and submission of relevant documents during the proceedings. The verdict has been welcomed by devotees of Lord Jagannath.
