Supreme Court to Review Bodh Gaya Temple Act: A Battle for Preservation and Control

The Supreme Court of India has agreed to scrutinize a plea challenging the Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949, which seeks to replace it with a more comprehensive central law. The plea, presented to a bench of Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh, calls for improved management of Bihar's Mahabodhi Temple.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya is sacred to Buddhists worldwide. The current petition challenges the constitutionality of the 1949 Act, alleging it violates Article 13 of the Indian Constitution, which addresses laws that conflict with fundamental rights.

The plea urges the removal of encroachments on the temple premises for exclusive Buddhist worship. A previous plea with similar concerns was redirected to a high court, highlighting ongoing debates over governance and religious rights around the historic temple site.

(With inputs from agencies.)