SC questions U.P.’s use of ordinance to take control of Banke Bihari temple

NEW DELHI

The Supreme Court on Monday (August 4, 2025) questioned the Uttar Pradesh government’s haste in promulgating an ordinance to take over the management of the ancient Banke Bihari temple at Vrindavan in Mathura.

A Bench headed by Justice Surya Kant also expressed disapproval of the “clandestine” manner employed by the State to secure the court’s permission, getting a judgment on May 15 by filing a civil dispute to use temple funds to develop the Shri Banke Bihari Temple Corridor project.

The Bench orally considered recalling its directions in the May verdict allowing the use of the temple funds for the corridor development project, which may spell a blow to the State Government’s plans. The court also suggested passing an order to have a committee manage the temple until the High Court decided the validity of the ordinance.

The Bench adjourned the case to August 5, asking Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, who appeared for Uttar Pradesh, to take instructions from the State Government on the suggestions.

Find a way out

“This is the land of Lord Krishna. He was the first mediator known to the world. Let’s find a way out to resolve this dispute that has been pending for years and develop the area in the interests of lakhs of devotees who visit these iconic religious places. Basic amenities need to be created, as nowadays religious tourism is one of the biggest sources of revenue,” Justice Kant remarked.

The bench assured all the stakeholders, including factions engaged in pitch rivalry over the temple management, that a responsible person would take care of temple affairs besides implementing the mandate to develop the adjoining areas and small temples in nearby localities.

The managing committee members and other petitioners, who sought the recall or modification of the May 15 decision, were asked for suggestions with respect to the management of the temple.

The court was hearing a plea by the management committee of the temple, which has challenged the ordinance.