Govt to Tighten Laws After Srimandir Photo Controversy
The Odisha government announced plans to introduce stricter punishment for repeated violations inside the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri after a photograph of Lord Jagannath taken inside the Srimandir went viral on social media.
Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said on Wednesday that the government is deeply concerned about repeated acts of indiscipline despite clear warnings from the temple administration. He stressed that some individuals defy rules not for darshan but to create drama and gain attention on social media, forcing the government to consider tougher legal measures.
Harichandan explained that while existing laws already contain penal provisions, the government is working on amendments to make punishments more effective. He added that steps are underway to completely ban photography, mobile phones, smart glasses, and camera devices inside the temple, a clause not clearly included in earlier laws.
The controversy erupted after a close-range photograph of Lord Jagannath on the Ratna Singhasan inside the Srimandir surfaced online. The image raised serious concerns about security arrangements, as mobile phones and cameras are strictly prohibited inside the shrine, and devotees undergo thorough screening before entry.
The viral photo sparked criticism from servitors, devotees, and the public, who questioned how such a lapse could occur. Following the outrage, many demanded a detailed investigation to identify how the phone entered the temple and who was responsible for the breach.
The Singhadwara police registered a case and launched an investigation into the matter.
