Why Did the SC Refuse a Plea for Buddhists' Autonomy at Mahabodhi Temple?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Supreme Court recently declined a plea for the exclusive management of the Mahabodhi Temple by Buddhists. The petition highlighted concerns about the sacred site's preservation and alleged violations of religious rights. This decision raises significant questions about the governance of religious sites in India.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court has not accepted the plea for exclusive Buddhist management of the Mahabodhi Temple.
- The Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949 currently governs the temple's management.
- Concerns have been raised over the preservation of the Bodhi Tree.
- The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Protests have occurred for greater autonomy for Buddhists in managing the temple.
New Delhi, June 30 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has declined to hear a plea requesting the 'liberation' of the revered Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar, aiming to assign exclusive management and control to Buddhists. A bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and K. Vinod Chandran dismissed the writ petition that challenged the Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949, advising the petitioner to seek recourse from the Patna High Court.
Justice Sundresh's bench stated, 'We are not inclined to entertain the petition under Article 32 of the Constitution of India. However, the petitioner is free to approach the (Patna) High Court.'
The plea highlighted concerns regarding the sacred Bodhi Tree, where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment, suggesting it is in 'danger of decay' due to the mismanagement by the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC).
The petition, filed by advocate Jaydip Pati, alleged a breach of fundamental rights to practice religion and manage religious institutions as outlined in the Constitution, demanding that the Mahabodhi Temple be exclusively managed by Buddhists.
According to the Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949, BTMC, which has a majority of Hindu members, oversees the temple's management. The petition argued that 'the current situation, where this holiest Buddhist shrine in India, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002, is governed by non-Buddhists, is a severe infringement of the rights guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.'
The plea further requested orders to prevent non-Buddhists from performing non-Buddhist religious practices at the Mahabodhi Temple.
Historically, it is believed that Emperor Ashoka established a temple near the Bodhi tree in the 3rd century BC and consecrated a statue of Lord Buddha. Recently, Buddhist monks associated with the All India Buddhist Forum staged a protest in Bodh Gaya, Patna, demanding complete autonomy for the Buddhist community in managing the Mahabodhi Temple.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the balance between maintaining cultural heritage and respecting religious rights. The Supreme Court's decision emphasizes the need for legal avenues to address such complex issues, ensuring all communities are heard while preserving the sanctity of historical sites.
NationPress
30/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Supreme Court's decision regarding the Mahabodhi Temple?
The Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea for the exclusive management of the Mahabodhi Temple by Buddhists, advising the petitioner to approach the Patna High Court.
Why is the Mahabodhi Temple significant?
The Mahabodhi Temple is significant as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the location where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree.
What are the implications of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949?
The Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949, assigns management of the temple to the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Committee, which has a majority of Hindu members, raising concerns about religious representation.
What concerns did the petition raise?
The petition raised concerns about the decay of the Bodhi Tree and alleged violations of fundamental rights related to religious practices and management.
What historical significance does the temple hold?
The temple is believed to have been built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC, marking it as an important site in Buddhist history.
