Orissa High Court on Wednesday directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to start the repair work of the Nata Mandap (dancing hall) of the 12th century Puri Shree Jagannath Temple from Thursday, without any further delay.

It has asked the Amicus Curiae appointed by the court to monitor the progress of work and submit its report every 15 days. The Amicus Curiae in its report to the high court has mentioned about the cracks appearing on a beam in the Nata Mandap.

The ASI reportedly wanted to commence the repair work from January 24, 2024. However, the apex court rejected the plea and directed the ASI to start the repair work from Thursday, sources said.

It has also asked the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) to provide all the logistic support to the ASI to ensure that the repair work of the Nata Mandap goes smoothly. In its direction, the court has also made it clear that devotees coming to the shine for the darshan of the deities need not to face any sort of trouble while the repair work is on.

Earlier, on November 8, the court had rejected the affidavit of the ASI pertaining to the repair of the Jagmohan (hall facing the sanctum sanctorum) and asked it to submit a fresh affidavit. In its order, it asked the ASI to furnish a detailed information about the steps taken by it for the repair work undertaken by it since 2017.

The Amicus Curiae was appointed by the High Court in September 2022 to apprise it about the status of Shree Jagannath temple.

In its report, the Amicus Curiae pointed out structural cracks, localized dislodgement of stone blocks, and detached weak lime plasters including extensive corrosion of existing wrought iron clams in different parts of the shrine.

The next hearing of the case will be held on December 4.