Today, The Supreme Court dismissed a petition against construction activities around the Puri Jagannath temple, dismissing a frivolous petition and calling it a “Publicity Interest Litigation”. The court also approved the Jagannath temple redevelopment project in Odisha “in the greater public interest”.

Two petitions challenge an order of the Odisha High Court allowing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to assess any damage to structures surrounding the temple. The petition said the High Court should halt further evaluation of the building, and such building had caused cracks in the temple foundation, the activists said.

The petition also said toilets, shelters for pilgrims, cloakrooms and other civic facilities were being constructed within a prohibited 100-metre radius around temples. The state government, which is building the temple heritage corridor, said it wants to build civic facilities for the upcoming Rath Yatra celebration.

Justices BR Gavai and Hima Kohli said such petitions were a “waste of time” and had to be nipped in the bud. Each petition was dismissed with a fine of Rs 1 lakh.

“Can a state be prevented from making the necessary arrangements for the basic facilities of devotees? The answer is no,” the judges said.