On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of India continued deliberations on a series of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Uttar Pradesh Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025.
The ordinance, introduced by the state government, seeks to regulate the management, administration, and development of the historic temple in Vrindavan.
Petitioners Raise Concerns Over Use of Temple Funds
The petitioners strongly opposed the potential use of temple funds for the proposed Temple Corridor project, urging the court to restrain the state government from diverting these sacred resources.
They emphasized that the funds, donated by devotees, are meant solely for the welfare of the temple and its rituals, not for infrastructural or developmental undertakings by the state.
A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard arguments from both sides. The court proposed the formation of an interim committee, headed by a retired High Court judge, to manage the day-to-day operations and administration of the temple until the case is resolved.
State Defends Ordinance, Denies Religious Interference
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) KM Nataraj, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, clarified that the ordinance does not interfere with religious practices.
Instead, he asserted, it is meant to ensure transparent and efficient administration amid growing concerns over fund mismanagement and lack of oversight. The Ordinance is a response to directions from the High Court.
The aim is purely administrative—to streamline temple management and improve facilities for lakhs of devotees visiting every day,” said ASG Nataraj.
He assured the Bench that no funds were being diverted for unrelated purposes, and reiterated that all temple funds will be used exclusively for temple redevelopment, particularly for projects benefiting pilgrims and infrastructure around the shrine.
Interim Committee in the Works
During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioners, requested a short adjournment to file alternative suggestions and propose names for the interim committee. The court accepted the request and scheduled the next hearing for August 8.
The Bench also asked both parties to suggest names of retired High Court judges to head the proposed committee, ensuring neutral and expert oversight over temple affairs in the interim.
Supreme Court Permits Land Acquisition for Corridor
It is worth noting that on August 4, the Supreme Court was informed by the UP government that funds from the Banke Bihari Temple’s fixed deposits would be used only for temple redevelopment, not for any external projects.
In a separate hearing earlier, a Bench comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma allowed the Uttar Pradesh government to proceed with land acquisition for the temple corridor, using funds from the deity’s fixed deposits.
The plan involves purchasing five acres of land around the temple to create a holding and facilitation area for devotees. We permit the State of Uttar Pradesh to implement the scheme in its entirety using the amount lying in the fixed deposit accounts in the name of the deity,” the Apex Court ruled.
High Court’s Earlier Ruling and Limitations
The Allahabad High Court, in 2023gaveen a green signal to the corridor development plan while also issuing strict conditions.
Citing Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, the court asserted that while the government has the authority to ensure public safety and devotee welfare, it cannot use the deity’s funds for construction purposes unless the funds are meant for the temple’s development.
The High Court directed the removal of encroachments around the temple, involvement of technical experts, and ordered that devotee access (Darshan) must not be disrupted during the implementation phase.
It also stated: Human life and safety must take precedence over individual objections. Even for privately managed temples, the State must ensure safe access for devotees.”
Disputes and Public Concerns
The development plan has also triggered objections from local shopkeepers, residents, and members of the Goswami community, who have expressed concerns over loss of livelihood, encroachment of sacred alleys (Kunj Galis), and potential infringement on traditional rights.
The corridor scheme also seeks to address disputes among temple stakeholders, improve crowd management, and tackle the absence of structured administration, which has previously resulted in safety concerns during high footfall events.
As the legal and administrative battle over the Banke Bihari Temple’s future management and development continues, the Supreme Court’s pending verdict—and its interim solutions—will play a crucial role in balancing religious sanctity, heritage preservation, administrative efficiency, and public safety.
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