CUTTACK: The Sri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Wednesday filed an affidavit in Orissa High Court in connection with leakage of photographs of repair works in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in social media.
In the affidavit, the SJTA stated that only the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) was permitted to take photographs on the Jagannath temple premises. A scientist of Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR), Dhanbad who was engaged by ASI in Jagamohan repair work had taken the photos and posted the same in social media which later went viral, SJTA’s affidavit maintained.
The SJTA in its affidavit has also stated that the scientist concerned had apologised for his act and SJTA, which has directed him to delete the photos posted in social media, has warned ASI to be cautious.
The SJTA in its affidavit also mentioned that they had written to ASI on November 20 asking it to furnish the details of time and space required for repair of Jaya- Bijaya Dwar and Garuda Stamba. However, the ASI is yet to furnish the same. The SJTA in consultation with Chhatisha Nijog will vacate the space after ASI provides details of time and space required for the same, the affidavit maintained.
After going through the affidavit, the division bench of Orissa High Court comprising Justice Biswajit Mohanty and Justice BR Sarangi directed ASI to file affidavit regarding its detailed programme, quantum of repair work and space required for repair of Jaya-Bijaya Dwar and Garuda Stamba and posted the next date of hearing for December 12.