CUTTACK: The Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has justified the suspension of two daitapatis in connection with the Brahma Parivartan fiasco even as the Orissa High Court is set to take up hearing on the issue on Friday.
The SJTA on Wednesday filed its reply in the court stating that the suspension was part of the proceedings initiated by the Chief Administrator of the temple following the bungling in Brahma Parivartan of deities at Jagannath temple, which delayed the rituals by more than 12 hours. The administration also submitted statements of various sections of daitapatis and others related to the temple in a sealed cover.
The single judge bench of Justice AK Ratho has posted the hearing to Friday. The court had earlier issued notice to the State Government and SJTA Chief Administrator on the suspension which has been challenged by daitapatis Kashinath Mohapatra and son Jaykrushna Mohapatra.
The petitioners had alleged that they had been singled out even though many other servitors were present inside the temple during Brahma Parivartan rituals. Denying any role in the delay, they have termed the action arbitrary and illegal.
They further accused the temple administration of taking the decision to suspend them without giving an opportunity to explain or present their view. Though showcause was issued against them by the temple administration, they were suspended before submitting their replies or any hearing.