RAJA BIRAKISHORE vs THE STATE OF ORISSA

The Supreme Court upheld the validity of the Shri Jagannath Temple Act, 1954, affirming that it does not violate Article 14 of the Constitution as the Jagannath Temple is unique and of national importance, justifying special treatment. The Court ruled that the Act's provisions, including Sections 11, 19, 21, 21A, and 30, do not infringe upon Articles 19(1)(f) or 31(2), as the appellant's management rights were replaced by a committee structure, preserving his role in a different capacity. Furthermore, Section 15(1) was found not to interfere with the religious affairs of the temple, focusing solely on the secular aspects of temple management.