Will the Supreme Court Appoint a Committee for Shri Banke Bihari Temple Management?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has suggested potentially appointing a committee led by a retired judge to oversee the Shri Banke Bihari Temple's management amidst a contentious Uttar Pradesh Ordinance. This move raises critical questions about state interference in religious affairs and the preservation of sacred traditions.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court may appoint a committee for temple management.
- Uttar Pradesh's 2025 Ordinance faces legal challenges.
- Potential state interference in religious affairs raises concerns.
- Importance of preserving Haridasi Sampraday traditions emphasized.
- Legal implications could affect future religious governance.
New Delhi, Aug 4 (NationPress) The Supreme Court indicated on Monday that it might refer a series of petitions to the Allahabad High Court contesting the Uttar Pradesh government’s 2025 Ordinance, which essentially takes over the management of the esteemed Shri Banke Bihari Temple located in Mathura-Vrindavan.
A panel of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi proposed the formation of a committee led by a retired High Court judge to oversee the temple’s operations until a ruling on the legality of the new Ordinance is made.
The Bench presided over by Justice Kant was addressing several petitions challenging the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to gain control of the temple’s administration, which has historically been managed under a private framework established in 1939.
It mentioned that the suggested management committee could encompass the District Collector and various state government officials, while stressing that the temple rituals must adhere to the traditions of the Haridasi Sampraday.
During the proceedings, the apex court expressed concern over the “rushed nature” in which the Uttar Pradesh government enacted the Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025. It criticized the “secretive manner” in which the government secured authorization from the Supreme Court via its May 15 ruling to utilize temple funds for the corridor development initiative.
Highlighting that this approval was granted through an application linked to an ongoing civil dispute, the Justice Kant-led Bench remarked that the top court might contemplate retracting its prior orders permitting the state government to access temple funds.
The hearing on the petitions contesting the government’s recent Ordinance was postponed until Tuesday, allowing Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj time to seek further instructions regarding the Bench’s recommendations.
One of the petitions argued that the Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025 constitutes state interference in religious matters, jeopardizing the independence of the existing temple management committee.
It asserted that the state government failed to provide a compelling rationale for issuing such an Ordinance and offered no substantial justification for assuming control over the temple’s administration.
The petition, submitted by advocate Sankalp Goswami, claimed that the Ordinance infringes upon the rights of the Haridasi/Sakhi Sampraday to govern its religious affairs and the rights of its members to freely practice, profess, and propagate their faith, suggesting that alterations to core religious practices, rituals, and traditions could displease the deity and threaten the survival of the entire denomination.
“Sections 5 (1)(i), 5 (i), and 6(8) of the Ordinance directly contravene Article 26(c) and (d) as they permanently strip the religious denomination of its administrative rights and transfer them to a non-denominational secular authority. Thus, under the guise of improved management, the Ordinance has effectively usurped administration from the religious body and established a completely new governing entity, rendering the religious denomination obsolete,” stated a plea, asserting that the temple is neither public property nor a state-run trust.
Point of View
It's essential to approach this matter with a balanced perspective. The Supreme Court's consideration of appointing a committee underscores the delicate balance between governance and religious freedom. The ongoing dialogue around the Uttar Pradesh Ordinance raises pertinent questions about state intervention in religious affairs and the preservation of cultural traditions. The court's role in maintaining this equilibrium is crucial for upholding the rights of religious communities while ensuring accountability in management.
NationPress
08/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shri Banke Bihari Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025?
The Shri Banke Bihari Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025 is a legislative measure by the Uttar Pradesh government aimed at assuming control over the management of the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura-Vrindavan.
Why is the Supreme Court involved?
The Supreme Court is involved due to petitions challenging the legality of the Ordinance, raising concerns about state interference in religious affairs and the preservation of tradition.
What are the potential implications of the court's decision?
The court's decision could set a precedent regarding the extent of state involvement in religious management and the rights of religious denominations to self-govern.
What role might the proposed committee play?
The proposed committee, potentially led by a retired judge, would oversee the temple's administration until the court adjudicates the legality of the Ordinance.
How does this situation affect the religious community?
This situation directly impacts the autonomy of the religious community managing the temple and raises broader questions about the preservation of their traditions and practices.
