Cuttack: Justice Bimal Prasad Das Commission, appointed to suggest reform measures for Puri Srimandir in the wake of Niladri Bije fiasco, has written to the state government seeking extension of the judicial panel’s term.
The state government had issued a notification regarding formation of the panel July 23 with a term of six months. “The term of the panel is scheduled to end January 22, but the panel has urged the law department to extend its term,” said a source.
Meanwhile, the commission has asked collectors of nine districts to take steps to send affidavits submitted by people suggesting measures for smooth functioning of Srimandir. The commission had invited suggestions on the temple affairs and put up drop boxes at district headquarters.
The deadline for the submission of affidavits was December 20. According to sources, around 12,000 affidavits have reached the commission’s office. Eminent personalities including Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb, Puri seer Nischalananda Saraswati, Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) chief Suresh Mahapatra, Puri collector Aravind Agarwal and superintendent of police Sarthak Sarangi have submitted their affidavits to the commission. The panel has also received suggestions from abroad through email.
Sources said the panel has sought two data entry operators from the state government to digitise the affidavits submitted by the people. “The commission has engaged two lawyers for verification of the affidavits. Beside, a retired police officer and a senior SJTA official have been roped in to help the panel,” said the source.
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