The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed pleas seeking permission to conduct 'rath yatras' at various places other than Jagannath Puri in Odisha.

A bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana said that it would not interfere with the directions passed by the state government under the Disaster Management Act.

The apex court was hearing a batch of pleas filed by individuals and groups, including the Odisha Vikas Parishad, challenging the Odisha government's decision to cancel the Rath Yatra (except at Puri Jagannath Temple) because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a report by ndtv. com, the central government had also wanted Rath Yatras to be held at other places in the state. Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said this could be done without upsetting health protocols.

"We are sorry. We also feel bad," the bench said.

"We hope and trust God will allow the Rath Yatra next time., the bench said.

"I also go to Puri every year... but have not gone for the last one-and-a-half years. I do puja at home... and it can be done at home. (The state) government has taken the right decision," CJI Ramana said.

The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri is an annual ritual and this time, it is scheduled for July 12.

The state has allowed Rath Yatra only at Jagannath Puri.