**Uttar Pradesh Government Open to Interim Management for Banke Bihari Temple**
The Uttar Pradesh government has expressed its willingness to establish an interim management committee for the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, which would be led by a retired judge from the Allahabad High Court who identifies as a Sanatani Hindu from the Vaishnav sect. This proposal was presented to the Supreme Court, emphasizing that such an appointment would honor the religious sentiments of the devotees of Shri Banke Bihari ji Maharaj.
During the proceedings, the Supreme Court remarked that it may be sufficient for the appointed judge to simply belong to the same religion, referencing a similar situation in the Kali temple where the overseeing civil judge shares the same faith. The state clarified that it would not oppose the court’s formation of an interim committee, provided it is chaired by a retired High Court judge. This committee would be responsible for the temple’s daily operations and would have access to temple funds to initiate the proposed corridor project, pending the implementation of the Banke Bihari Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025.
The government assured the court of its commitment to financing the project in collaboration with the temple administration, citing the successful redevelopment of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple as a precedent. The Additional Solicitor General, representing the state, emphasized that the government’s goal is not to interfere with religious practices but to ensure effective management of the temple and prevent any misuse of funds. The state also highlighted the necessity for stringent law and order measures, especially in light of a tragic stampede in 2022 that resulted in injuries and fatalities due to the temple’s limited capacity and logistical challenges.
In its proposal, the state suggested including the civil judge who has been managing temple affairs for several years, as his experience would be beneficial to the committee’s operations. Additionally, the government recommended the participation of key administrative and planning officials, such as the District Magistrate, Senior Superintendent of Police, Municipal Commissioner, Vice Chairman of the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority, Principal Secretary of the Dharmarth Karya Department, and a representative from the Archaeological Survey of India. The Dharmarth Karya Department has already allocated Rs 150 crore for the temple’s development.
The Supreme Court is currently reviewing petitions filed by temple priests who are challenging the Banke Bihari Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025, and are seeking modifications to a previous court order that permitted the Uttar Pradesh government to utilize temple funds for infrastructure and administrative purposes.
**FAQ**
**What is the purpose of the interim management committee for the Banke Bihari Temple?**
The interim management committee aims to oversee the temple’s daily operations, ensure proper management, and facilitate the development of a proposed corridor project while respecting the religious sentiments of devotees.
