Plea before SC seeks to modify earlier order on Banke Bihari Temple Corridor

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.

Last week only, 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.