ODISHA VIKASH PARISHAD Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Issue notice returnable four weeks.

(2.) It is not disputed that the number of people that are likely to gather for the annual Rath Yatra scheduled to be held from 23rd June, 2020, is going to be about 10 to 12 lakhs. The festivities normally continue for a period of 10 to 12 days.

(3.) Having regard to the danger presented by such a large gathering of people for the Rath Yatra, we consider it appropriate in the interests of public health and safety of citizens who are devotees to restrain the respondents from holding the Rath Yatra this year. Article 251 of the Constitution of India itself confers the right to freely profess and propagate religion subject to health.