SC Slams UP’s Banke Bihari Temple Takeover: Committee to Rule
The Supreme Court on Monday, August 4, 2025, sharply criticised the Uttar Pradesh government’s hasty ordinance seizing control of the revered Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. The court expressed serious concerns over the lack of transparency in the state’s actions.
The apex court questioned the secrecy surrounding the ordinance, highlighting the need for greater accountability in managing religious institutions. It deemed the state’s approach as lacking due process.
To ensure smooth functioning until the Allahabad High Court decides on the ordinance’s legality, the Supreme Court will appoint an interim management committee.
This committee is likely to be headed by a retired judge of the High Court, ensuring impartiality and transparency in the temple’s administration. The decision underscores the judiciary’s role in safeguarding religious institutions from arbitrary government interventions.
This landmark ruling has significant implications for the governance of religious sites across India, setting a precedent for greater transparency and accountability in such matters. The case highlights the ongoing tension between state control and religious autonomy, a debate with far-reaching consequences for India’s diverse religious landscape.
