New Delhi, June 15 -- For this year's Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri, the Odisha government has banned non-servitors from climbing the chariots.

State Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said on Sunday stringent legal action, including arrests, will be taken against any non-servitor found climbing the chariots during the Yatra.

Harichandan also asserted that use of mobile phones on the chariots will be strictly prohibited.

"No non-servitor will be allowed to climb the chariots. If any such person is found on the chariot, strong action including arrest will be taken. Also, servitors will not be allowed to carry mobile phones onto the chariots," the minister told reporters.

To ensure the timely completion of rituals and maintain disciplin...