Supreme Court Hears Dispute Over Banke Bihari Temple Ordinance

The Supreme Court addressed the Uttar Pradesh government's ordinance for managing the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. The ordinance aims for better administration amid ongoing litigation on temple ownership. The top court put the scheme for temple development on hold, and stakeholders were invited to present their proposals.

The Supreme Court of India is mediating a dispute involving an ordinance passed by the Uttar Pradesh government aimed at administering the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. The legislation, enacted in 2025, seeks to enhance management at the temple, which welcomes hundreds of thousands of devotees weekly.

Initially approved by the court, the temple corridor development scheme is currently on hold, following objections from key stakeholders who were allegedly not consulted. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, suggests that further public input be considered before proceeding.

Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj clarified that the ordinance is unrelated to ongoing temple ownership litigation. However, the court stressed the importance of including stakeholders in the management committee and appointed an interim overseeing body to ensure fairness in temple administration.

(With inputs from agencies.)