Cuttack: Uncertainty looms large over the future of Justice Bimal Prasad Das Commission as it has remained defunct for about two months now.

The panel, set up to bring in reforms in the functioning of the Puri Jagannath temple, has not been operating as its term expired on January 22.

Official sources said the commission was not having any sitting as the state government had not extended its term yet.

Commission secretary B.P. Parija told The Telegraph on Thursday that it had sought more time to submit its report less than a week before the term was to expire, but there had been no response from the government so far despite three reminders.

"In fact, the government in a letter has just asked the secretary and office staff of the commission to continue in office till the end of March," Parija said.

The state government had appointed the one-man commission of inquiry on July 23, 2016, following the hue and cry over the attack on Puri district collector and delay in conducting the rituals of Lord Jagannath on the Niladri Bije on July 17. The commission was expected to submit its report within six months from the incident. But the government had so far extended its term twice - six months each time - and even the last extension expired on January 22.

"After receiving the letter, I have informed the secretary of law department to make arrangements and assign a person before end of March to take over the valuable documents and properties with the commission," Parija said.

Justice B.P. Das was not available for comments.

The commission, which started functioning from September 29, has so far submitted two interim reports - first on April 20, 2017, and second on December 6, 2017.

Parija said the commission had since sought more time as the inquiry process had not been completed and some of the important terms of reference were yet to be addressed.

"The commission had planned to submit another interim report addressing the terms of reference that expects the commission to suggest measures to be taken for efficient management of niti-kanti and seva puja rituals of the deities and streamlining the duties of employees of the temple and persons connected thereto," Parija said.

After inviting suggestions, the commission had received 12,791 suggestions, which included 11,094 affidavits, 1,551 statements and several emails.

People from various walks of life, including former Puri king Dibyasingh Deb, have submitted affidavits before the commission giving their suggestions for smooth functioning of the temple.