Supreme Court Sets Back UP's Banke Bihari Trust Ordinance

The Supreme Court halted the implementation of Uttar Pradesh's Bankey Bihari Temple Trust ordinance, which transfers administrative control of the temple to the state, until the high court determines its validity. A high-level committee will manage the temple in the interim, and the ordinance's constitutionality is under review.

The Supreme Court intervened on Friday, placing a hold on the Uttar Pradesh government's Bankey Bihari temple trust ordinance. This legislation, which seeks to provide the state with administrative control over the historical temple, will remain inactive until the high court adjudicates its validity.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi listened to pleas challenging the ordinance and has planned to revise a previous order that allowed the use of temple funds for acquiring land. The funds were initially intended for creating a holding area for devotees.

The bench proposed forming a high-level committee led by a retired high court judge, partnering with local administrative officers and Goswami community members, to oversee the temple's daily management. Meanwhile, the high court is set to review the ordinance's legitimacy.