The Odisha State Law Commission has recommended amending the Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1955, to enforce a strict dress code for devotees at the 12th-century shrine. The proposal includes a ban on women wearing shirts and jeans or trousers inside the temple. It also prescribes traditional attire for men. Although dress guidelines were attempted in the past, they remained advisory and were never strictly enforced.
Government Review Underway
“The recommendations are currently under the government’s review. An appropriate decision on the matter will be taken after wider consultations,” a senior government officer said.
Details of the Proposed Dress Code
According to the commission’s first annual report released on April 7, it has suggested amendments to the Jagannath Temple Act and Rules to enforce a dress code ‘in keeping with religious and cultural practices’. The commission, chaired by Justice Biswanath Rath, recommends that servitors and priests attached to Lord Jagannath must wear traditional attire while on duty.
For Male Pilgrims
- Dhoti and kurta, or trousers and shirts, or churidar and pyajama, or patto, with a gamcha on the shoulder.
For Female Pilgrims
- Women above 10 years: saree and blouse or salwar-kameez.
- Women below 10 years: gown/frock or salwar-kameez.
- Women wearing shirt and jeans or trousers and shirt will not be allowed to enter the temple.
Stricter Penalties for Encroachment
The commission has also recommended stricter legal provisions to deal with encroachment of Jagannath Temple property. Anyone found in illegal occupation, unauthorised possession, or illegal transfer of immovable property belonging to Lord Jagannath anywhere in Odisha would face imprisonment of one year, extendable up to three years, along with a fine of up to Rs 50,000. The offence has been proposed to be cognisable and bailable and can be tried by a judicial magistrate first class.
Penalties for Servitors' Misconduct
It has further suggested a new clause to penalise servitors involved in serious breach of conduct or criminal activities. Such offences would attract imprisonment of three years, extendable to five years, with a fine ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000. These offences would be cognisable and non-bailable and could be tried by a chief judicial magistrate.
Prohibited Items and Punishments
The commission has also proposed more severe punishment for bringing prohibited items to the temple premises, in violation of law, custom, or declarations issued by the temple committee. On conviction, offenders may face imprisonment of up to two years and a fine ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000. Seized items would be confiscated by the state and proceeds from their auction deposited in the temple fund.
Under existing provisions, such offences attract a maximum punishment of two months’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1,000. Prohibited items include arms, inflammable materials, cigarette lighters, mobiles, cameras, spectacles with cameras, wrist watches with phone or camera facilities, and electronic gadgets capable of recording video or photographs.
