Supreme Court Moves to Suspend UP Banke Bihari Temple Committee, Refers Case to High Court


SC to Keep Committee Under UP Ordinance in Abeyance

On Friday, the Supreme Court of India announced its intention to suspend the operation of the Committee formed under the Uttar Pradesh Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025. This Committee, created by the state government, was tasked with managing the historic Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, Mathura.

A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi stated that the matter would be referred to the Allahabad High Court to examine the constitutional validity of the Ordinance. Until the High Court delivers its verdict, the functioning of the Committee under the Ordinance will remain in abeyance.

Interim Committee to Manage Temple Affairs

To ensure smooth temple operations during this interim period, the apex court will constitute a new temporary management committee. This panel will be headed by a former judge of the High Court and will include:

  • Certain government officials

  • Representatives of the Goswami family, the temple’s traditional caretakers

The Supreme Court also orally indicated it may recall parts of its May 15 judgment that allowed the Uttar Pradesh government to use the temple’s funds for a redevelopment corridor.

Background of the Dispute

The controversy stems from the Uttar Pradesh government’s Ordinance of 2025, which transferred temple management to a statutory trust named Shri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir Nyas. Under the Ordinance:

  • The trust would have 11 nominated trustees

  • A maximum of 7 trustees could be ex-officio members

  • All members, both government and non-government, must be followers of Sanatan Dharma

This move came amid ongoing litigation between two private parties over temple management.

Goswami Family’s Objections

Petitioner Devendra Nath Goswami, claiming to be a lineal descendant of the temple’s founder, Swami Hari Das Goswami, opposed the government’s takeover. He argued that:

  • His family has managed the temple’s religious and administrative affairs for over 500 years

  • Redevelopment without the involvement of traditional caretakers is administratively impractical

  • The government’s plan risks disrupting daily worship and temple management

Goswami also sought modification of the Supreme Court’s earlier order that permitted the state to use temple funds to buy land for the corridor project.

State Government’s Development Plan

On May 15, 2025, the Supreme Court had permitted:

  • Use of temple trust funds and fixed deposits

  • Implementation of a Rs. 500 crore redevelopment plan for a corridor around the temple

The decision took into account:

  • The 2022 stampede at Banke Bihari Temple, which highlighted safety issues

  • Concerns about maladministration in temples across the Braj region

The court emphasised that effective temple governance is essential for both public safety and spiritual welfare.

Current Status

The Supreme Court has now halted the Ordinance’s implementation and is setting up an interim management framework. The Allahabad High Court will decide the constitutional legality of the Ordinance, which will determine the temple’s long-term administrative structure.


Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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