Supreme Court Halts UP's Bankey Bihari Temple Trust Takeover, Orders New Committee
The Supreme Court has temporarily suspended a 2025 ordinance that vested management of Vrindavan's Bankey Bihari Temple with a government committee, pending constitutional review. A new committee led by a former High Court judge will oversee temple affairs, ensuring continuity. The decision challenges Uttar Pradesh's planned management shift.
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The Supreme Court announced on Friday that it will issue an order to suspend the Uttar Pradesh government's 2025 ordinance, which transferred management of the Bankey Bihari temple in Vrindavan to a government-led committee. Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi stated the decision will be referred to the Allahabad High Court to assess the ordinance's constitutional validity.
Until the High Court reaches a decision, the existing committee will be inactive. The Supreme Court emphasized the need for smooth temple administration, stating it will establish a temporary committee headed by a former High Court judge. This committee will include government officials and Goswamis, traditional temple caretakers.
The court criticized Uttar Pradesh's swift ordinance implementation, suggesting it circumvented ongoing litigation between private parties over management rights. Historical caretakers argue that development projects without their involvement could lead to chaos. The Supreme Court had previously allowed limited use of temple funds for development purposes under state guarantees.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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