Lord Jagannath Owns Emar Silver Debate Intensifies as Odisha Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan reaffirmed that, according to earlier judicial rulings, all Emar Mutt properties legally belong to Lord Jagannath. He said the long dispute over the silver ingots must end with a lawful transfer to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). By repeating that Lord Jagannath Owns Emar assets, the Minister strengthened the temple’s claim and public sentiment.
Speaking to reporters, Harichandan noted that the government will examine the required legal steps and remove pending procedural hurdles. He stressed that the silver should move to the Ratna Bhandar, the temple’s sacred treasury, so that proper documentation, safety and accountability stay intact.
His remarks followed SJTA’s renewed request for complete custody of the 522 recovered silver ingots, valued at nearly ₹90 crore. The administration argued that historical, religious and judicial precedents consistently recognise mutt properties as those of the Lord.
The ingots resurfaced during a 2011 police investigation, and the matter has since invited legal scrutiny, emotional reactions and community concern. Many devotees believe the silver must return to the shrine, reinforcing its cultural and spiritual significance.
With legal discussions gaining momentum, the state government, temple administration and judiciary now play crucial roles in determining the final outcome.
