Supreme Court Halts Uttar Pradesh's Temple Corridor Development

The Supreme Court has paused the Uttar Pradesh government's plan to develop the Shri Banke Bihari Temple Corridor. This decision arose because the main stakeholders were not consulted. The court is forming a committee to manage temple affairs, ensuring all stakeholders are involved in the decision-making process.

In a significant development, the Supreme Court has put a temporary halt to the Uttar Pradesh government's proposed scheme to develop the Shri Banke Bihari Temple Corridor in Vrindavan. Chief among the reasons was the failure of authorities to consult key stakeholders, which the court insisted was crucial.

The bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, criticized the state's approach, describing it as covert. They questioned the urgency behind the Uttar Pradesh Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025, enacted to usurp management of the historic temple.

A committee, headed by a retired judge, will be appointed to oversee temple management, balancing devotional needs with the state's developmental ambitions. Stakeholders, including competing factions claiming ownership, will have roles in the management advisory capacity.

(With inputs from agencies.)