Bhubaneswar, Jan 8: Odia Jatra actor Piyush Tripathy, known for playing villains, has been banned from performing on stage after a legal issue with a Jatra troupe. The Bhubaneswar court issued an order preventing Tripathy from performing until the next court hearing.

The trouble started when the owner of Surya Mandir Jatra party took Tripathy to court, claiming he broke his contract, which was supposed to last until June 2026. The actor allegedly performed for another troupe, Singhabahini, in a play called Tu Mo Bajrangi earlier this month, even though his contract with Surya Mandir was still active.

The owner of Surya Mandir Jatra party argued that Tripathy was trying to leave for a rival troupe before his contract ended. This issue had already caused problems within the Jatra community, and the Jatra Owners’ Association had imposed a one-year break on Tripathy. However, Tripathy reportedly ignored this break and continued performing, leading to the legal action.

In response to the court’s order, Tripathy said he hasn’t received any official notice yet and will consult his lawyer once he does. He also stated that he would keep performing until he is formally notified.

The case is still ongoing, and the court’s decision has added more drama to the ongoing conflict in Odisha’s Jatra scene.