"Lord Jagannath will forgive us if we stay the Rath Yatra this year... In the interest of public health and safety of citizens, Rath Yatra cannot be allowed this year," the top court had remarked. The Supreme Court was hearing a plea filed by an NGO named Odisha Vikas Parishad seeking a stay on the annual Rath Yatra to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The NGO had stated that if the Rath Yatra is allowed, then COVID-19 infection will increase manifold. The Rath Yatra is scheduled to be held on June 23.

Source: dna June 22, 2020 03:33 UTC