New Delhi, Jul 31 (IANS): The Supreme Court on Friday said e-darshan is no darshan and asked the Jharkhand government, why not allow darshan on a limited basis at Baidyanath temple during Shravani Mela.

A bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra told the Jharkhand government, e-darshan is no darshan! Why not allow darshan on a limited basis, following social distancing guidelines?

On July 3, the Jharkhand High Court denied permission to hold the annual Shravani Mela at the Baidyanath Temple in Deogarh, in the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. The High Court had directed the Jharkhand government to organize virtual prayers for devotees.

The apex court passed the plea filed by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey challenging the High Court order to organize virtual darshan at the Baidyanath temple in Deogarh. The apex court asked the state government to get back to it on this. The plea in the High Court had also sought opening of the Basukinath Temple in Dumka, which is nearly 40 km from Deoghar. The devotees who offer prayers at Baidyanath Temple generally also visit the neighbouring shrine.

The High Court had said that the priests could perform puja in the temple and devotees can watch it through virtual means. Dubey had moved the apex court challenging this order of the High Court.