Contentious Control: Temple Trust Ordinance Sparks Legal Battle

The Allahabad High Court has rescheduled the hearing regarding the Bankey Bihari Temple Trust Ordinance to August 26. The postponement follows claims of the ordinance's validity being contested in the Supreme Court, according to state counsel.

Parallel to this, the High Court has slated September 23 for the next hearing concerning a petition seeking an ASI survey of the Gyanvapi mosque area in Varanasi, barring the Shiva Linga.

Amicus curiae Sanjay Goswami questioned the state's jurisdiction in issuing the ordinance, arguing that it unjustly imposes government control over a private temple managed by the descendants of Swami Hari Das Ji. Opposition focuses on the inclusion of bureaucrats as trustees, perceived as a 'back-door' entry by the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)