By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, April 28, 2023: The Supreme Court will take up the Mrinalini Padhi Vs Central Government case pertaining to the Puri Jagannath temple reforms, for a hearing on May 1. A bench comprising Justice MR Shah and Justice CT Ravikumar is hearing the case.

Prior to the hearing, it is learned that both the state government and the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) have submitted their respective affidavits.

The SJTA has submitted its 33-page affidavit where subjects like the appointment of a full-time chief administrator, authority to an IAS rank officer to monitor daily rituals and festivals, opening of Gurukula Sevashram, and land & property of Lord Jagannath are mentioned.

In the last hearing, the state government had sought time for the appointment of a full-time chief administrator and requested the time limit for the appointment to be extended till December 2023.

However, the apex court had rejected it, informing that a contempt of court will be initiated if a full-time chief administrator is not appointed.

At the same time, the bench wished to know how funds worth Rs 5 crore received for the welfare & education of children of the servitors has been spent.