Banke Bihari temple’s funds will be utilized for temple only, UP govt assures SC

The Supreme Court was today informed by the Uttar Pradesh government that the funds of Banke Bihari temple shall be utilised for the temple's redevelopment only.

Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for UP government told a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, "The temple funds are to be utilised for the temple only, nothing else has been done..", while defending the ordinance passed by the state for redevelopment of the areas around the temple.

Senior Advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for a petitioner from the management committee of the temple told the bench that the state's ordinance establishes a trust which removes the Goswamis from their management post. "I need a status quo today..becaause we dont' want a change..this has been going on for 100 years...", Divan added.

In response, UP Government told court that there is no management committee at all for the Banke Bihari temple. Questioning this the top court said, "It can't be that there is nobody to look after the temple..in a way then court is the management authority..".

Court went on to tell the parties concerned that it was inclined to form a committee headed by a retired high court judge to manage the affairs of the temple. It has further asked them to come up with suggestion and will hear the matter again at 10.30 AM tomorrow.

Senior Advocate Shyam Divan briefed by Tanvi Dubey (Advocate on Record) appeared in the matter.

A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking modification of its earlier order approving the Uttar Pradesh government’s proposed redevelopment scheme for Vrindavan (Mathura) Banke Bihari Temple Corridor.

Recently, the Supreme Court had paved way for the state government scheme to develop the Shri Banke Bihari Temple corridor. Bench comprising Justices Bela M Trivedi and Satish Chandra Sharma had allowed the Uttar Pradesh government’s plea to utilise the funds of Shri Banke Bihari Temple only for the purchase of 5-acre land around the temple to create a holding area.

"We permit the state of Uttar Pradesh to implement the scheme in its entirety. The Banke Bihari Ji Trust is having fixed deposits in the name of the deity/temple…the state government is permitted to utilise the amount lying in the fixed deposit to acquire the land proposed," top court had said.

Earlier in 2023, the Allahabad High Court had also approved the Uttar Pradesh Government's proposal for the Vrindavan (Mathura) Banke Bihari Temple Corridor, citing Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. The court has instructed the removal of encroachments around the temple. However, it restrained the use of Rs 262.50 Crores from the Deity's bank account for corridor construction.

Although, high court had stated that the Deity's funds in the bank are off-limits for corridor construction. The court emphasized the government's use of its own funds for secular activities. Quoting Articles 25 and 26, the high court had asserted that the government must act in accordance with the law to provide better facilities for devotees.

High Court had also directed the State to involve technical experts if needed and issued strict guidelines on road encroachments. It also directed the government to ensure that devotees' Darshan is not hampered in any manner, except for the implementation of the Scheme, during which appropriate alternative arrangements shall be made. "Human life cannot be put at stake just because somebody has objection. In our opinion, even the private Temples where devotees come for Darshan, safety of human life is required to be treated of utmost importance and the Government is bound to make necessary arrangements," high court had said.

The proposed development scheme aims to acquire 5 acres for temple facilitation, ensuring no interference with Goswamis' rights. The PI addressed public order management around the Banke Bihari Temple, highlighting disputes among Goswamis and safety concerns due to the lack of temple management. An intervention application by shopkeepers and residents also opposed the expansion near the sacred 'Kunj Galis.'

Case Title: Management Committee of Thakur Shree Bankey Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple & Anr Vs State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors

Hearing Date: August 4, 2025

Bench: Justices Kant and Bagchi