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Key Points

A BJP leader has filed a PIL challenging the West Bengal government's involvement in the newly built Digha Jagannath temple. The petition questions the constitutional validity of using Rs 250 crore from state funds for religious construction. Controversies include alleged misuse of materials from Puri's Jagannath temple and improper use of the sacred 'Dham' title. The Calcutta High Court has admitted the case for hearing.

Key Points: BJP Leader Challenges Bengal Govt Role in Digha Jagannath Temple PIL

  • BJP leader files PIL against Bengal govt funding Digha temple
  • Questions Rs 250 crore state expenditure on religious structure
  • Challenges tax concessions for temple donations
  • Objects to 'Dham' title for non-historic shrine
2 min read

PIL filed at Calcutta HC over Bengal govt's involvement in Digha Jagannath temple

Calcutta HC admits PIL questioning Bengal govt's Rs 250 crore involvement in Digha Jagannath temple, citing constitutional violations.

"No state government can be involved in religious establishment construction as per legal provision - Kaustav Bagchi"

Kolkata, May 13

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed at a division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday questioning the involvement of West Bengal government with the recently inaugurated Lord Jagannath Temple at Digha in East Midnapore, reportedly modelled after the iconic Shree Jagannath Dham Temple at Puri in Odisha.

In the petition filed by Calcutta High Court advocate and the state BJP leader in West Bengal, Kaustav Bagchi argued on various points, claiming that the involvement of the state government with the Digha temple, reportedly shown as Shree Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre in the records of the state government, is against the constitutional provisions. The division bench of Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das has admitted the petition. In his petition, Bagchi had also requested that the first hearing in the matter be conducted by May 19.

The first question raised by Bagchi in the petition is how the address of the office of the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO), the implementing agency of the Digha temple, was shown as the address of the trust of the Digha Temple.

Bagchi further raised objections over the announcement of tax concessions against donations made to the temple trust. The petitioner’s question is, since, as per legal provision, no state government can be involved in the construction of any religious establishment, how could the announcement for tax concessions be announced?

Bagchi also raised how money could be spent from the state exchequer behind the construction of any religious structure, as was done in the case of the Digha Lord Jagannath Temple. The estimated cost borne from the state exchequer for the Digha structure is Rs 250 crore.

Already, since the inauguration of the temple on April 30, several controversies have surfaced in the matter. The first allegation was regarding the use of leftover timber meant for Puri’s Shree Jagannath Dham Temple for carving deities in the Digha Temple. Secondly, objection was raised regarding the use of “Dham” for describing the structure at Digha, considering that the word has a bigger religious and historical connotation.

As per Hindu belief, barring the temples at Badrinath, Rameswaram, Dwarka, and Puri, no other religious structure can be referred to as “Dham”.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun M.
This is clearly a political move by the state government to appease voters before elections. Using public funds for religious structures sets a dangerous precedent. The constitution clearly separates state and religion. Hope the court takes strict action! 🙏
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Priya K.
As someone from Odisha, I find it disrespectful to use the term "Dham" for this new temple. Puri Jagannath Temple has centuries of history and spiritual significance. You can't just replicate that by spending 250 crores! The government should focus on real development work instead.
R
Rahul S.
Whether it's BJP or TMC, all parties use religion for votes. But using state funds is crossing the line. That money could have built hospitals or schools. The tax concession part is especially questionable. Good that someone challenged this in court.
S
Smita B.
The allegations about using leftover timber from Puri temple are serious if true. In our tradition, materials used for deities have strict rules. Hope the court investigates this properly. Jai Jagannath! 🚩
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Nikhil P.
While I support having more temples, the government shouldn't be involved in construction. Let devotees and trusts handle it. This mixing of religion and politics is bad for both. The PIL raises valid constitutional questions that need answers.
M
Meena R.
The cultural center angle seems like a clever workaround to bypass rules. But everyone knows it's a temple. If the government wants to promote culture, why only Hindu culture? What about other communities? This selective approach creates divisions.

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