By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, June 8, 2018: The Supreme Court on Friday passed a slew of directions for proper management of the 12th century Jagannath Temple and to thwart exploitation of pilgrims there.

The Apex court has also sought a report from the district judge on the difficulties faced by visitors to the temple.

The SC has asked the state government to form a committee to study the practices followed by practices at the temples of Vaishnodevi, Somnath and Golden Temple and incorporate these in the management of the Jagannath Temple.

The Apex Court appointed senior advocate Gopal Subramanium to assist the court in framing guidelines for managing the affairs of Jagannath temple.

Pilgrims must have hassle free access to Jagannath temple and any practice to exploit visitors must stop as it is against our culture and society, the court said stressing on the importance of the welfare of pilgrims.