Archive · 19 May 2025
HC Directs Review of Jagannath Temple Land Sales
Imagine a big company (the temple) that owns lots of land.
Some of this land has been sold or leased, and the court thinks the rules weren't good enough, leading to some land being lost.
The court is worried that the temple's land isn't being protected properly.
Now, the court is making sure the government updates the rules so that the temple can better protect its land, preventing future problems and ensuring that all transactions are done correctly, as if the temple itself is a child who needs protection.
The Orissa High Court has ordered the review of provisions for the sale and lease of land belonging to the Puri Jagannath Temple.
The court expressed concern over the loss of temple land due to ineffective safeguarding mechanisms.
The review was prompted by a petition filed by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
The court quashed a previous order related to the sale of land to a petitioner.
The government is directed to improve land administration, including digitalization and stricter monitoring.
- Who
- Orissa High Court and Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA).
- What
- Directed a review of provisions for the sale and lease of Lord Jagannath temple land.
- When
- The order was issued on Friday
- Where
- Puri, Odisha, specifically concerning temple lands.
- Why
- To address loopholes that have allowed temple properties to be lost and to protect the deity's interests.
- Issuing Authority
- Orissa High Court
- Involved Party
- Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA)
- Case Details
- Review petition filed by SJTA on behalf of the deity.
- Land in Question
- 15 acres in Kantia mouza
- Land Leased Year
- 1973
- Previous HC Order
- March 27, 2023