Supreme Court Intervenes in Haridwar Temple Management Dispute

The Supreme Court on Monday demanded a reply from the Uttarakhand government concerning a petition by the Sevayat of Maa Chandi Devi Temple, Haridwar. This plea seeks to halt an order that permits the Badri Kedar Temple Committee to oversee the temple's management.

The bench, comprised of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and SVN Bhatti, issued a notice, requiring a response within two weeks. The court declared that any decision made by the Badri Kedar Temple Committee would be contingent upon the petition's outcome.

The petitioner, Mahant Bhawani Nandan Giri, argues that the Uttarakhand High Court erroneously delegated control without evidence or complaints about mismanagement, despite a pre-existing committee managing the temple since 2012. Allegations arose during an anticipatory bail hearing in a separate criminal case involving the temple's head priest.

(With inputs from agencies.)