CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court on Friday reserved its judgment on the suspension of two daitapatis of Lord Jagannath temple, Puri in connection with the Brahma Parivartan bungling.
The single judge bench of Justice AK Ratho concluded hearing on the petitions filed by servitors Kashinath Mohapatra and his son Jaykrushna Mohapatra challenging the action taken against them by Shri Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) but reserved the verdict.
While the servitors had alleged victimisation by the SJTA stating that they had been singled out when many others were present inside the temple during the Brahma Parivartan rituals, the administration had justified its actions.
In its reply, the temple administration submitted that the suspension was based on facts ascertained after the fisaco during conduct of Brahma Parivartan, which caused inordinate delay in completion of the rituals.
The administration also submitted statements of different sections of daitapatis and others associated with the temple in the court.
Denying any role in the delay, the petitioners had accused the SJTA of suspending them without even giving an opportunity to explain. Though showcause was issued against them by the temple administration, they were suspended before submitting their replies or hearing them.