Orissa High Court seeks government reply on Maa Sarala Temple dues

The Orissa High Court has requested a response from the Odisha state government and the endowment commissioner regarding a plea involving unpaid auction dues at the Maa Sarala Temple. The temple, a prominent 16th-century Shakti shrine located in the Jagatsinghpur district, is at the center of allegations that six shop holders have failed to pay more than Rs 1 crore in outstanding amounts.

The petitioners, including Ambika Mohanty, are seeking a joint inquiry by the Commissioner of Endowment, Odisha, and the Assistant Commissioner of Endowment, Cuttack. The dispute concerns shops auctioned for the sale of bhog and lamps for the periods of 2019-20, 2023-24, and 2024-25. According to the petition, while the highest bidders were granted the shops, they allegedly defaulted on their payments. Specific claims include individual debts ranging from approximately Rs 19.42 lakh to Rs 35 lakh.

A division bench consisting of Justices SK Panigrahi and MS Raman has directed the authorities to file their replies before the next hearing, which is scheduled for October 7.