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Encroaching on Lord Jagannath’s land? Think again. SJTA cracks down hard, digitizes records, and files 974 legal cases
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) has firmly stated that any attempt to encroach upon the land of the 12th-century Puri Jagannath Temple will face strict legal action. This strong position follows a recent Orissa High Court judgment that stressed strict adherence to legal procedures in managing temple land.
High Court Mandates Legal Compliance in Land Deals
The High Court made it clear that no lease, sale, or transfer involving temple land will hold legal ground unless it meets all legal standards. These include prior approval from land committees and land valuation by the district sub-registrar.
The judgment came in a case related to 15 acres of disputed land in Jatani's Kantia Mouza, Khurda district.
Court Ruling Welcomed by SJTA and Odisha Government
The SJTA, supported by the Odisha government, welcomed the court's ruling. Odisha’s Advocate General Pitambar Acharya and SJTA chief administrator Arvind Padhee appeared in court to defend the temple’s interests.
Padhee said that the court's decision will be a guideline to deal with temple land and it would be followed religiously.
Digitization and Policy Reform to Secure Temple Land
As per the Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955, the SJTA has initiated the process of digitizing land records to avoid unauthorised transactions. This move is part of a broader plan under the state’s Uniform Policy to secure the temple’s vast land holdings.
Temple’s Land Holdings and Encroachment Status
The temple currently owns over 60,426 acres across 24 districts in Odisha, along with 395 acres in six other states. Out of this, 169.86 acres remain encroached in districts like Cuttack, Puri, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Khurda, Balasore, and Jajpur.
Legal Action Underway to Reclaim Encroached Land
To recover this land, 974 cases have been filed across various tehsils. District-level committees led by collectors and a special panel under the SJTA are actively working to reclaim these lands and restore the temple’s rights.
High Court Orders Change in Records and Swift Action
The High Court also observed that sizable temple lands, especially in urban and adjoining areas, have been lost in the sham and unauthorized transactions. Hence, the Court directed the revenue officials to correct the land records and take swift action to protect the property in the name of Lord Jagannath.
New Uniform Land Policy Is Under Preparation
In this direction, the Government of Odisha is in the process of formulating a new Uniform Land Policy, which is expected to come into existence within three months. This policy shall ensure better management of temple lands, with everything from land regularization to temple holdings and disputes being settled within two years. Further, it will also ensure transparent settlements so that the temple can create an endowment fund.
A Firm Stand to Preserve the Sanctity and the Future of the Temple
The steps taken by SJTA prove to be quite stern in protecting the sanctity and security ofthe land attached to Puri Jagannath Temple. Backed by the zeal of the law and administrative thrust is set towards de-encroachment, restoration of rights, and protection of the temple's future.