Major Verdict on Lord Jagannath’s Rs 450-Crore Land: Disputed Records of 29 Acres Cancelled
by Himanshu · KalingaTVAdvertisement
Puri: In a major verdict concerning the valuable landed properties of Lord Jagannath, the Consolidation Commissioner has cancelled disputed land records involving 28.840 acres in Shankarpur Mouza under Puri Tehsil and directed that the property be recorded once again in the name of Lord Jagannath.
The order was passed by the Court of the Consolidation Commissioner under the Board of Revenue. The disputed land, located near the Omkareshwar Temple, is estimated to have a market value exceeding Rs 450 crore.
The verdict marks a significant development in a land dispute dating back nearly a century.
Land Originally Donated to Lord Jagannath
According to historical records, the land was donated to Lord Jagannath by the then Mahant during the settlement proceedings of 1922–23.
Subsequently, in the settlement records published in 1927, the property was registered in the name of “Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu Bije, Puri, Marfat Uttar Parswa Math Endowment Trust Board.”
Even the preliminary land register prepared during the consolidation process carried the name of Lord Jagannath as the recorded owner.
However, a major change in the ownership records took place in 2010.
Based on an order issued by the Additional Sub-Collector of Puri on February 18, 2010, the deity’s name was removed from the land records and replaced with that of the Mahant.
The entire process was reportedly completed within just 22 days. Subsequently, in 2013, a Record of Rights (RoR), commonly known as Patta, was prepared in the Mahant’s name.
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Challenged Record Changes
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) challenged the changes made to the land records and approached the Court of the Consolidation Commissioner.
During the proceedings, the temple administration submitted historical land records, documents relating to the original donation and other relevant evidence supporting the deity’s claim over the property.
Advocate Ambika Prasad Mishra represented the temple administration in the case.
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During the hearing, serious legal irregularities reportedly emerged in the process through which the land records had been changed in 2010.
In particular, the required notices had not been served on the Shree Jagannath Temple Administrator and the Endowments Commissioner, depriving them of an opportunity to present their case.
The Consolidation Commissioner also took note of the fact that the proceedings had been completed within just 22 days without adhering to fundamental principles of natural justice and due legal procedure.
Consolidation Commissioner Cancels Disputed Records
After examining the documentary evidence, historical records and legal aspects of the case, Consolidation Commissioner Prabir Kumar Nayak cancelled the disputed final consolidation records.
He also directed the Puri Tahasildar to record the 28.840 acres of land in the name of “Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu Bije, Puri, Marfat Shree Jagannath Temple Managing Committee.”
The decision effectively overturns the disputed record changes made in favour of the Mahant and directs restoration of the deity’s name in the official land records.
Shree Jagannath Temple Administration Welcomes Verdict
The Shree Jagannath Temple Administration has welcomed the verdict, describing it as an important development in protecting the landed properties of Lord Jagannath.
The Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple stated that the administration has been continuously working to safeguard the deity’s properties, maintain accurate land records and protect the temple’s legal interests.
Meanwhile, the Board of Revenue has also been emphasising the protection of valuable endowment properties and the speedy resolution of disputes involving such lands.
The verdict is considered significant for safeguarding Lord Jagannath’s landed assets and ensuring that historical ownership records are maintained in accordance with the law.
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