The Calcutta High Court restricted on Friday entry into the sanctum sanctorum of the famous Kali temple at Kalighat in the southern parts of the city.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice J. N. Patel and Justice Sambuddha Chakrabarti has ordered that no visitors, including VIPs will be allowed into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
According to the order, two priests designated by the temple authorities and whose identity is displayed on its walls will be present within the sanctum sanctorum to help devotees offer their prayers. In addition the temple authorities have been directed to engage two persons to clean the premises at regular intervals.
The Court also ruled that no one should be allowed to accept offerings, of money or valuables from devotees. All these offerings must be deposited in sealed box that is kept outside the sanctum sanctorum.
The order was passed on a petition filed before the Court on malpractices and harassment of visitors to the temple.
The Court has also ordered that CCTV cameras should be placed in various spots at the temple and the police will monitor the footage from the cameras.
In an earlier direction given by the Court, it had held that pandas or touts will not be allowed within the temple premises.
Recognised as an Adi Shakti Peeth, one of the most important places of worship consecrated to the several manifestations of the goddess Shakti, the temple is believed to be more than 200 years old. It is a major pilgrimage spot visited by a huge number of devotees everyday.
