Supreme Court criticizes Banke Bihari Temple's 'exploitative practices'
What's the story
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government and the High-Powered Temple Management Committee over a petition challenging the darshan timings and temple practices at Bankey Bihari Ji Temple. The petition was filed by the Management Committee of Thakur Shree Bankey Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple. The Uttar Pradesh Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025, seeks to replace the existing management framework with a State-controlled trust.
Deity exploitation
Court questions current temple practices
The bench, which included Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul Pancholi, observed that the current setup seemed to exploit the deity. CJI Kant said, "After closing the temple at 12 noon, they do not allow the deity to rest even for a minute." He added that affluent people who pay hefty amounts are allowed to perform special pujas.
Tradition vs safety
Senior advocate raises concerns over darshan timings
Senior advocate Shyam Divan, representing the petitioner, raised concerns over changes in darshan timings and temple practices. He stressed that such matters need to be handled with sensitivity. Divan also emphasized maintaining traditional timings while ensuring public safety. He said modifications were made to prevent stampedes and crowding, adding, "We don't want a situation where there is a stampede... That is why there needs to be traffic control."
Court order
Supreme Court directs response from temple management committee
In light of the arguments, the Supreme Court has sought a response from the High Powered Committee and the Uttar Pradesh government. The bench also directed that the member secretary of the High-Powered Temple Committee be added as a respondent in this case. The matter is scheduled to be heard next in early January.
Management debate
1939 Scheme of Management vs Uttar Pradesh Temple Trust Ordinance
The Bankey Bihari Temple has been managed according to the 1939 Scheme of Management, which defines the roles of temple authorities in managing darshan timings, rituals and finances. The Uttar Pradesh Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025, seeks to replace this with a State-controlled trust. This move has raised questions about government interference in religious institutions and its impact on traditional practices.