Shalini Passi Challenges Criminal Proceedings In Orissa High Court Over Jagannath Temple Photography Incident

The High Court of Orissa at Cuttack is currently reviewing a petition filed by reality television personality and art collector Shalini Passi seeking the quashing of criminal proceedings initiated against her. The case, presided over by Mr. Justice Aditya Kumar Mohapatra, stems from an incident involving the alleged unauthorized photography of the inner premises of the Lord Jagannath Temple.

Case Background

The dispute arises from G.R. Case No. 502 of 2021, registered at the Singhadwara Police Station . According to the prosecution, Passi allegedly captured photographs inside the protected area of the temple and subsequently published the imagery on her Instagram social media handle. The matter escalated when the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM) in Puri issued an order taking cognizance of the alleged offences , leading Passi to move to the High Court under Section 528 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 .

Arguments Presented

The petitioner’s legal team, led by Senior Counsel Mr. S. Luthra and Mr. A.N. Das , argued that the charges brought against Passi lack sufficient legal basis. The defense contended that even if the allegations were accepted at face value, the essential ingredients of the charged offences are not established. Furthermore, the counsel argued that the police included specific sections of law in the FIR that are legally inapplicable to the facts of the case. Conversely, the counsel for the State of Odisha requested additional time to secure instructions and formulate their formal response to the plea.

Key Observations

During the proceedings, the court highlighted the gravity of the petitioner's challenge. Key observations include:

  • "Learned Senior counsel appearing for the Petitioner at the outset contended that even accepting the allegations made in the FIR , no offence is made out under the alleged section."
  • "He further submitted that some of the sections added by the Police which are not applicable to the alleged acts in the FIR ."

Court's Decision

Mr. Justice Aditya Kumar Mohapatra granted the State four weeks to obtain further instructions and scheduled the next hearing for the week commencing September 7, 2026 . As an interim protective measure , the Court ordered that should the petitioners file an application for an adjournment regarding further proceedings, the learned Trial Court is directed to grant an adjournment for a period of eight weeks. This stay provides a temporary respite for the petitioner while the legal validity of the prosecution is examined further. Implications of this outcome will likely hinge on the upcoming arguments regarding the applicability of the contested criminal sections in landmark religious heritage cases.