Bhubaneswar, Oct. 22 -- Orissa High Court has directed the Odisha government to ensure that temporary puja pandals do not completely block public roads or prevent residents from accessing their homes. The court also stressed the need to maintain adequate space for vehicular movement, emergency services and compliance with prescribed noise limits during religious celebrations.

According to a report by The New Indian Express, the direction came while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by 81-year-old Sarat Kumar Gajendra, a resident of Badagada in Bhubaneswar.

Filed on September 15, 2025, the petition alleged that temporary structures and cultural programmes during Ganesh Puja and Durga Puja blocked a public road for aro...