Supreme Court Hearing on Banke Bihari Temple Management

The Supreme Court of India heard a petition related to the management of the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, on August 4, 2025. A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymali Bagchi presided over the hearing.

Key Developments

• Committee Formation: The Supreme Court has directed the formation of a committee, headed by a retired judge, to oversee the management of the temple and resolve disputes between the state government and the temple trust.
• Next Hearing: The court has scheduled the next hearing for August 5, 2025, to further discuss the matter.
• Challenge to Ordinance: The petition challenges the Uttar Pradesh government’s ordinance, which entrusts the management of the temple to a trust. The petitioners argue that this move amounts to indirect control over the temple.

Petitioners’ Arguments

• Temple’s Private Nature: The petitioners claim that the Banke Bihari Temple is a private religious institution, and the government’s move infringes upon its autonomy.
• Misuse of Temple Funds: They allege that the government intends to utilize the temple’s funds for purposes other than its maintenance and upkeep.

Court’s Observations

• Need for Mediation: The Supreme Court suggested that mediation could be a viable option to resolve the dispute, citing Lord Krishna as a historical mediator.
• Committee Proposal: The court proposed the formation of a neutral committee to oversee the temple’s management and finances ¹.

Source : Jagran