CUTTACK/PURI: Justices P K Mohanty and I Mohanty of the Orissa High Court on Tuesday visited the Jagannath temple and examined the structure of the main gate and the two adjacent mutts. The proposed demolition of the two mutts __ Bada Chatta and Chauni __ on either side of ‘singhadwar’ hangs in the balance. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had proposed dismantling of the two mutts, which was later challenged by the mahantas. The division bench comprising the two judges is expected to deliver its verdict on Wednesday. The Endowments Commissioner on Tuesday submitted his report, in a sealed cover, on the threat posed to the main gate by the adjoining buildings. Later, the judges decided to make a spot visit. The Bench had on March 6 directed the commissioner to study the impact of the mutt structures on the Lions Gate which is reported to have sustained damage. The commissioner was to be assisted by Chief Architect, Odisha and Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Bhubaneswar Circle. Accordingly, the commissioner and other officials visited the temple to study the structure on March 10. The report was submitted on Tuesday. The court directed the inspection in response to petitions challenging the order of the ASI for demolition of the two mutts as they were putting pressure on the main gate, causing damage to the structure. The statutory expert committee, monitoring the ongoing repair and conservation work by the ASI, in its report in 2010, had also recommended demolition of both the buildings. The District Magistrate had then issued notices to the mutts to dismantle the structures. The mutt mahantas challenged it in the High Court. The Government had subsequently filed a report through the Puri Collector stating that “immediate demolition” of the mutts was necessary to protect the gate structure and the boundary wall of the temple.
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