TempleManagement – Supreme Court to Review Banke Bihari Temple Administration Dispute

TempleManagement –  The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear an important matter on Tuesday concerning the administration of the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, one of the most visited religious sites in Uttar Pradesh. The petition has been filed by temple sevayats, who have challenged several decisions taken by a court-appointed high-powered management committee currently overseeing the temple’s affairs. The case is expected to be heard by a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana.

Concerns Raised Over Traditional Practices

The petitioners have argued that certain measures introduced by the management committee have affected long-standing religious customs followed at the temple. Among the key concerns is the extension of darshan timings, which, according to the sevayats, has altered the traditional schedule observed for generations. They have also objected to the discontinuation of the customary Dehri Puja, a ritual that has historically formed part of the temple’s religious practices.

The sevayats have requested judicial intervention to ensure that any administrative changes do not compromise the spiritual and cultural traditions associated with the shrine.

Focus on Representation in Temple Administration

During an earlier hearing held on May 26, the Supreme Court took steps to strengthen the representation of traditional stakeholders within the management structure. The court approved the inclusion of four elected representatives from the Raj Bhog and Shayan Bhog Goswami groups in the high-powered committee.

The move was aimed at ensuring that religious customs and established traditions are adequately reflected in the decision-making process. The newly inducted members were asked to work together and suggest measures that would help preserve traditional practices while also improving the daily management of the temple.

The court additionally sought recommendations regarding temple operating schedules under varying weather conditions to balance convenience for devotees with established customs.

Development Plans for Temple Surroundings

Apart from issues relating to rituals and administration, the upcoming hearing is also expected to examine broader development initiatives around the temple precincts and nearby areas of Vrindavan.

The Supreme Court has previously emphasized the importance of a comprehensive development strategy that addresses both pilgrim convenience and urban infrastructure requirements. To this end, the Uttar Pradesh government and the management committee were directed to prepare a detailed plan covering multiple aspects of public facilities and area development.

Infrastructure and Pilgrim Facilities Under Consideration

The proposed development framework is expected to include measures such as road expansion, improved traffic management, better regulation of commercial establishments, and enhanced services for visitors. Authorities have also been asked to focus on drinking water availability, healthcare facilities, resting areas, transportation services, and amenities for women, children, senior citizens, and differently-abled devotees.

The state government and the management committee were instructed to submit a report outlining these proposals so that the court can assess the suggested improvements and their implementation roadmap.

Background of the Management Committee

The current administrative arrangement was established in August 2025 when the Supreme Court constituted a high-powered committee headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge Justice Ashok Kumar. The committee was entrusted with supervising the temple’s day-to-day operations, crowd management measures, pilgrim welfare services, safety arrangements, and developmental activities in the surrounding region.

At the same time, the apex court temporarily suspended provisions of the Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025. The ordinance had authorized the Uttar Pradesh government to create a separate trust for managing the temple. The court decided to keep those provisions on hold until the Allahabad High Court delivers a final decision on the ordinance’s legal validity.

The forthcoming hearing is expected to address both the preservation of religious traditions and the future direction of development efforts around one of India’s most significant pilgrimage destinations.