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Odisha panel proposes ban on jeans, shirts for women at Puri Jagannath Temple
The Odisha State Law Commission recommended amending the Sri Jagannath Temple Act to enforce a stricter dress code at the Jagannath temple in Puri, including barring entry to women wearing shirts and jeans. The proposal aims to provide statutory backing to earlier temple guidelines from January 2024 and is under active government consideration, reflecting broader dress-code trends at Indian temples.
Why It Matters
If enacted, the proposal would formalize attire restrictions at a major religious site, raising questions about religious practice, personal freedom, and state involvement in temple governance.
Timeline
5 Events
Partial acceptance of Law Commission recommendations by state government
May 8, 2026
As of the publication, only a couple of the Law Commission's recommendations have been accepted by the state government.
Odisha Law Commission recommends Jagannath Temple Act dress-code amendments
May 8, 2026
The Odisha State Law Commission proposed amending the Sri Jagannath Temple Act to provide statutory backing for a stricter dress code at the Jagannath temple in Puri, including barring entry to women wearing shirts and jeans or similar outfits. Men would be allowed traditional attire or churidar, or formal shirts and trousers; women above 10 would be expected to wear sarees, blouses or salwar-kameez, and younger girls could wear frocks or gowns. The recommendations are under active government consideration.
Hate Speech and Hate Crimes Act amendments proposed by Odisha Law Commission
April 2026
The panel recommended the enactment of the Odisha Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Act, 2026, proposing stringent penalties, including jail terms of up to seven years, and classifying hate speech offences as cognisable and non-bailable.
Witch Hunting Act amendments proposed by Odisha Law Commission
September 2025
The Odisha Law Commission recommended sweeping amendments to the Odisha Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2013, proposing stricter punishments, mandatory victim rehabilitation and compensation, and district-level task forces to monitor implementation and awareness campaigns.
January 2024 Jagannath Temple dress guidelines introduced
January 2024
The Jagannath Temple administration introduced guidelines restricting western and revealing outfits for devotees at the 12th‑century Jagannath temple in Puri.