The main legal point established in the judgment is the authority of the Court to issue directions for the administration and improvement of religious institutions under Section 92 of the Code of Civil Procedure. The judgment also emphasizes the need for judicial intervention in addressing the issues related to religious institutions and the protection of cultural heritage.

ORDER

1. We have perused the Report of the District Judge, Puri, dated 26.06.2018 submitted in response to the order of this Court dated 08.06.2018. We have also perused the affidavits filed on behalf of Respondent Nos. 2 to 4. Mr. Vikramjit Banerjee, learned Additional Solicitor General seeks time to file an affidavit on behalf of the Union of India. Learned Counsel appearing on behalf of Respondent Nos. 2 to 4 have stated that some more time is necessary for giving a comprehensive report/affidavit.

2. Accordingly, the matter is adjourned to 5th September, 2018 for further consideration. We may however, deal with certain aspects.

3. In his Report, the District Judge has stated that a meeting was held with the Chief Administrator Shri Jagannath Temple Administration, the Collector and the Superintendent of Police, Puri along with other Administrators of the temple. He also considered the response of the public. He has also taken into account previous study reports on the subject. He has observed that in spite of order of this Court, Thalis and pitchers are being exhibited for collection of money illegally. At this stage, we may only reiterate the direction already issued and direct the administration to comply with the same. Action for violation for contempt may be considered later in the light of further material which may be placed on record, including the CCTV footages.

4. After considering all the aspects, the District Judge has made the suggestions under the following heads:

(i) Abolition of hereditary Sevaks/Appointment of Sevaks.

(ii) Prohibition to collect money for Annadan Atika by Sevaks. Ban on placing Thali and Pitches by Sevaks to receive offering.

(iii) Temple Management to take control of Rosaghar and Chullas.

(iv) Provision of separate toilets for male and female and sevaks.

(v) Queue system for hassle free darshan.

(vi) Surveillance of collection from Hundis and receptacles.

(vii) Audit of Temple Funds by Accountant General.

(viii) Identity cards for sevaks and staffs.

(ix) Guides to be registered in Temple office.

(x) Reduction of over staffs of Temple Administration.

(xi) Single authority for security management in Temple Premises.

(xii) Proposed Amendments in Sri Jagannath Temple Act, 1954.

We are not quoting the discussion under each heading.

5. We do not find any serious objection to the suggestions being accepted and implemented subject to further consideration and orders.

6. We are informed that there is a website of the Temple but the same needs to be updated so that information about all the facilities, schedule of visits etc. are available for the convenience of the visitors.

7. We also had an interaction on the issue whether the Temple Management can consider, subject to such regulatory measures with regard to dress code, furnishing of a declaration or such other requirements as considered necessary permitting every visitor irrespective of his faith to offer respects and make offerings to the Deity. This observation is being made in view of the settled law reiterated in recent judgment in Adi Saiva Sivachariyargal Nala Sangam and ors. vs. Government of Tamil Nadu and anr. 2016 (2) SCC 725 as follows:

“Religion incorporates the particular belief(s) that a group of people subscribe to. Hinduism, as a religion, incorporates all forms of belief without mandating the selection of elimination of any one single belief. It is a religion that has no single founder; no single scripture and no single set of teachings. It has been described as Sanatan Dharma, namely, eternal faith, as it is the collective wisdom and inspiration of the centuries that Hinduism seeks to preach and propagate. It is keeping in mind the above precepts that we will proceed further.”

(Emphasis added)

8. Justice P.B. Gajendragadkar, Former Chief Justice of India, has mentioned in his Book “To the Best of My Memory” as follows:

“Secularism merely means that no religion has the monopoly of religious wisdom. Our secularism is based on the principles laid down