Today, On 5th August, The Supreme Court asked both parties to suggest the name of a former High Court judge to head a temporary committee for managing Banke Bihari Temple’s administration until the legal dispute over the ordinance is resolved.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court heard a matter concerning the administration of a well-known temple, where a legal dispute has arisen following the introduction of an ordinance by the State Government.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj clarified that the ordinance has no link to the writ petition that is currently being considered.
The bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi is hearing the Banke Bihari Temple case in the Supreme Court.
He said,
“Let me clarify the ordinance has no connection with the writ petition. The PIL was filed solely for improved administration of the temple.”
In response, the Supreme Court remarked that this might be a valid point, but the High Court would be the right forum to raise it.
The bench said,
“That might be a valid argument but you can raise it when we send the matter back to the High Court for them to challenge the ordinance.”
Explaining the State’s stand further, ASG Nataraj stated that the case began with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court.
This PIL had led to certain directions being passed that called for a better administrative framework for the temple. He informed the Court that the State government has no intention of interfering with religious customs or rituals.
He said,
“A PIL was filed in the High Court, which led to certain directions being passed asking for a better administrative scheme. The State has never intended, nor does it intend to interfere with religious practices. The Ordinance is aimed purely at improving temple administration. Given the temples long history and the daily footfall of thousands of devotees, proper fund management is essential. Please consider our proposal.”
He also emphasised the large number of visitors to the temple every week, which requires efficient administrative planning.
He said,
“The ordinance was introduced solely to improve administration. With nearly 2–3 lakh devotees visiting every week effective management is necessary.”
However, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who was appearing for one of the parties, argued that there was no proof of mismanagement at the temple to justify such a change.
He said,
“There isn’t a single allegation of mismanagement against the temple.”
In reply, ASG Nataraj clarified what he meant by “mismanagement.”
He said,
“By mismanagement I mean that too many people are involved in running the temple that itself leads to disorder.”
The Court also commented on some content that had been mentioned, clarifying that it was not part of their concern.
It said,
“Saying Mr. Nataraj belongs to the same religion is sufficient. The details in the right hand column aren’t part of our background or concern.”
To bring a temporary solution, the Supreme Court has now asked both parties to suggest the name of a former High Court judge who could head a committee. This committee would look after the administration of the temple until the legal issues are resolved.
The matter will be taken up again on Friday.
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The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the most prominent and spiritually significant temples in India, drawing lakhs of devotees every week.
However, over time, concerns have been raised regarding the temple’s administration and management, leading to legal proceedings.
Case Title: MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THAKUR SHREE BANKEY BIHARI JI MAHARAJ TEMPLE AND ANR. V STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH AND ORS. W.P.(C) No. 704/2025
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