Bhubaneswar: 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, including a ban on women wearing shirt and jeans or trousers inside the temple.The proposal also prescribes traditional attire for men. Although dress guidelines were attempted in the past, they remained advisory and were never strictly enforced.“The recommendations are currently under the govt’s review. An appropriate decision on the matter will be taken after wider consultations,” a senior govt officer said.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’.According to the recommendations of the commission, which is chaired by Justice Biswanath Rath, servitors and priests attached to Lord Jagannath must wear traditional attire while on duty. Male pilgrims should wear dhoti and kurta, or trousers and shirts, or churidar and pyajama, or patto, with a gamcha on the shoulder. Females above 10 years should wear saree and blouse or salwar-kameez, while those below 10 years should wear gown/frock or salwar-kameez. Women wearing shirt and jeans or trousers and shirt will not be allowed to enter the temple.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.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.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.
