Orissa High Court Orders Rehabilitation Of 16th-Century Samaleswari Temple's Sevayat During Ongoing Renovation Work

A Bench of Justice Sanjeeb K. Panigrahi passed the order while hearing a writ petition filed by Sebayat (Akshaya Dishri), who challenged a notice dated July 25, 2025, issued by the Sub-Collector-cum-Executive Officer, Debottar Bolangir, directing him to vacate the Bhogakuthi/Basaghara adjacent to the temple premises.

It was the case of the petitioner that he is a hereditary Sevayat residing at Bhogakuthi Ghara within the Samaleswari Devi Temple complex and performing the daily Nitiseva of the deity and thus, he is required to stay near the temple premises.

The Court noted since the renovation and construction work is ongoing at the temple, the notice of eviction had been issued to the petitioner.

However, recognizing the essential role of the Sebayat in performing religious services and assisting devotees, the Court held that the temple authorities must ensure suitable rehabilitation before eviction.

"Let the Sub-Collector-cum-Executive Officer, Debottar Bolangir and the temple committee take some positive steps to rehabilitate the present Petitioner to the nearby space till the construction work is completed", the Court directed.

Further, Justice Panigrahi categorically ordered that the concerned authority shall not evict the Petitioner from the current location till he is rehabilitated.

With these directions, the writ petition was disposed of.