Is the West Bengal Government Overstepping Its Bounds with the Digha Jagannath Temple?
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Synopsis
A new PIL has sparked a debate on governmental involvement in religious affairs, questioning the constitutional legality of West Bengal's participation in the Digha Jagannath Temple's establishment. Will this lead to significant changes in policy regarding religious sites?
Key Takeaways
- The PIL questions the involvement of the West Bengal government in religious construction.
- Tax concessions for donations to the temple are under scrutiny.
- The estimated cost of the temple is Rs 250 crore, funded by the state exchequer.
- Controversies regarding the temple’s materials and nomenclature have arisen.
- The case raises essential questions about state-religion separation.
Kolkata, May 13 (NationPress) A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been submitted to a division bench of the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday that challenges the West Bengal government's involvement with the newly inaugurated Lord Jagannath Temple located at Digha in East Midnapore. This temple is reportedly inspired by the renowned Shree Jagannath Dham Temple in Puri, Odisha.
In the petition presented by Kaustav Bagchi, a Calcutta High Court advocate and a state BJP leader, various arguments were put forth asserting that the state government's participation in the Digha temple, which is recorded as the Shree Jagannath Dham Cultural Centre, contradicts constitutional provisions.
The division bench comprising Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Smita Das has accepted the petition. Bagchi has also urged for the initial hearing to be scheduled by May 19.
One major inquiry posed by Bagchi is why the address of the West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (WBHIDCO), the agency responsible for the temple's construction, is cited as the address for the temple's trust.
Furthermore, Bagchi has expressed concerns regarding the announcement of tax benefits associated with donations to the temple trust. The petitioner questions how such tax concessions could be proposed when legal provisions state that no state government may engage in constructing any religious establishment.
Additionally, Bagchi questioned how funds from the state exchequer were utilized for constructing the Digha Lord Jagannath Temple, with the projected cost being Rs 250 crore.
Since the temple's inauguration on April 30, numerous controversies have arisen.
The first allegation pertains to the use of leftover timber from Puri’s Shree Jagannath Dham Temple for carving deities for the Digha temple. Another objection has been raised regarding the term “Dham” used to describe the structure in Digha, given its significant religious and historical implications.
In Hindu tradition, only the temples located at Badrinath, Rameswaram, Dwarka, and Puri can be referred to as “Dham”.
Point of View
It is vital to maintain a balanced perspective on this issue. While the PIL raises essential questions about the separation of state and religion, it also highlights the cultural significance of such temples in our society. The resolution of this matter should prioritize legal compliance while respecting the sentiments of the community.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue raised in the PIL?
The PIL questions the legality of the West Bengal government's involvement in constructing the Digha Jagannath Temple, arguing it violates constitutional provisions.
Who filed the PIL?
The PIL was filed by Kaustav Bagchi, a Calcutta High Court advocate and BJP leader in West Bengal.
What is the estimated cost of the temple?
The estimated cost borne from the state exchequer for the Digha Lord Jagannath Temple is Rs 250 crore.
What are the main controversies surrounding the Digha Temple?
Controversies include the use of leftover timber from Puri’s Shree Jagannath Dham Temple and the appropriateness of using 'Dham' in describing the Digha structure.
When was the Digha Jagannath Temple inaugurated?
The Digha Jagannath Temple was inaugurated on April 30.
