PONDA
A district court in Ponda on Saturday ordered to maintain status quo on the ceremony to replace the idol of goddess Navdurga at a temple in Marcaim.
Shri Devi Navdurga Pratishtna (SDNP) had challenged the plans by Shree Navdurga Saunsthan (SNS) to replace the idol before the court.
Since the last one month, a group of residents from Marcaim have been opposing moves by SNS to replace the idol, on grounds that it is an ancient idol. However, SNS President, Vallabh Kamat, had claimed that it is not an ancient idol, but that it was replaced in the past on two occasions.
SDNP had sought the intervention of government authorities to direct SNS to halt the programme of replacing the idol and had submitted a memorandum to the mamlatdar on February 10 in this regard.
When they did not get any reply from the authorities, SDNP decided to approach the court in the matter.
On Saturday, the petition came before the district judge Irshad Aga, who heard the respondents and plaintiff.
Court sources informed The Goan that Advocate Amrut Kasar, who is representing the villagers, had pleaded with the court to cancel the programme by SNS.
Advocate M S Usgaonkar, appearing on behalf of SNS, had requested 15 days to file a reply. The court granted his request and also ordered maintaining status quo in the idol replacement programme.
The next hearing will be held on March 5 at 2.30 pm.
Speaking to The Goan, SNS President Vallabh Kamat said: “We respect the order of court and hence, we have cancelled the two-week long religious programme. Our advocate asked for time to file a reply. The court has ordered to maintain a status quo,” he said.
SDNP President Shailendra Panjikar claimed that the status quo on plans to replace the idol of goddess Navdurga was a victory for the people.
