SHILLONG: The High Court of Meghalaya on Tuesday took exception to the impasse over Nartiang Durga temple and asserted that puja should be held without any disturbance during the upcoming festival.
There was a dispute between priests as to who would conduct the puja and this resulted in the closure of the temple recently but it was re-opened thanks to the intervention of the court.
During the hearing of the case, the single bench of the High Court headed by Justice S R Sen reminded that in spite of passing a previous order on September 14, the parties concerned violated the court’s order and tried to create disturbances in the temple which, according to the court, is unacceptable.
The court said since Durga Puja is drawing near, puja should be performed in a pious and proper manner without any disturbance.
“With regard to choosing who will perform the puja, I leave the matter with the residents of Nartiang village to decide who will be the best person, if necessary to consult religious scholars,” the court said.
According to the judge, the concern of the court is that puja should be performed in a pious and proper manner without any disturbance and besides that, daily puja in three temples, Shiv Mandir, Durga Mandir and Bishari Mandir should continue in a pious and proper manner.
“All concerned should take note that if any disturbance occurs and if it is brought to my notice, even in the midnight, the matter will be taken up,” the judge said.
He directed the deputy commissioner of West Jaintia Hills and the superintendent of police to look into the law and order strictly and to ensure that puja is performed without any disturbance.
“If any person intervenes or disturbs the puja or try to create any law and order problem in and around the temple he/she should be put behind bars without any further question in accordance with law,” he added.
The court wanted the district administration to see that the devotees are not barred to attend the puja as well as the rituals.
The matter will be taken up in the first week of November for further order.
