Banke Bihari Temple Suspension: Supreme Court Order
Supreme Court Hearing Challenges to Uttar Pradesh’s Banke Bihari Temple Ordinance
Table of Contents
The Supreme Court is currently hearing a series of petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Uttar Pradesh government’s 2025 Ordinance concerning the management of the Shri Banke Bihari ji Temple in Vrindavan. The case centers around concerns regarding the temple’s administration, the use of temple funds, and the rights of devotees. Let’s delve into the details of this significant legal battle.
Background: Temple Corridor Development and the 2023 Order
The dispute originates from a 2023 order that allowed the Uttar Pradesh government to utilize temple funds to acquire 5 acres of land surrounding the temple for corridor development. A key condition of this order stipulated that any acquired land must be registered in the name of the deity, ensuring the temple’s ownership and safeguarding its assets.
this initial move aimed to improve facilities for the millions of devotees who visit the Banke Bihari Temple annually, a site of immense religious significance. Though, it laid the groundwork for subsequent changes in temple administration that are now under scrutiny.
The 2025 Ordinance: A New Trust and Concerns Raised
The recently promulgated 2025 Ordinance introduces a statutory trust – the ‘Shri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir Nyas’ – to oversee the temple’s management and devotee facilities. This Nyas will be comprised of 11 trustees nominated by the government, with a maximum of 7 being ex-officio members.
This shift in administrative control has sparked considerable debate and led to the filing of multiple petitions in the Supreme Court. Petitioners are raising concerns about the potential for government interference in the temple’s affairs, the impact on customary practices, and the long-term welfare of the temple and its devotees.
Key Arguments Presented in Court
Several writ petitions have been filed, each raising distinct but related challenges to the Ordinance. Here’s a breakdown of the cases:
W.P.(C) No. 709/2025 (DEVENDRA NATH GOSWAMI Versus STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND ANR.): this petition directly challenges the constitutional validity of the Ordinance itself.
W.P.(C) No. 704/2025 (MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THAKUR SHREE BANKEY BIHARI JI MAHARAJ TEMPLE AND ANR. Versus STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND ORS.): Filed by the existing Management Committee, this petition seeks to protect its rights and authority over the temple.
W.P (c) no. 734/2025 (thakur Shri Bankey Bihariji maharaj Through Shebait Himanshu Goswami and Anr. Versus state of uttar pradesh and anr.): This case represents the interests of the shebait (hereditary trustee) and aims to safeguard traditional rights.
Diary No. 28487-2025 & Diary No. 39950-2025 (ISHWAR CHANDA SHARMA versus THE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND ORS.& ISHWAR CHANDA SHARMA Versus DEVENDRA KUMAR SHARMA AND ORS.): These petitions raise concerns about the impact of the Ordinance on devotees and the temple’s religious practices.
WP (c) no. 707/20525: Further challenges the Ordinance’s implications.
The petitioners argue that the ordinance potentially violates principles of religious freedom and the right to manage religious affairs, guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.They also question the extent of government control over a historically self-governed temple.
Legal Representation and Next Steps
The case is being argued before the Supreme court with a distinguished panel of legal representatives.
For the Petitioners: Senior Advocates Shyam Divan, Kapil Sibal, and Amit Anand tiwari, along with Advocate Tanvi Dubey, are representing the various petitioners.