Supreme Court Intervenes to Manage Vrindavan's Banke Bihari Temple

On August 5, 2025, the Supreme Court took steps to address the ongoing controversy surrounding the management of the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan. The court proposed the formation of an interim committee, to be headed by a retired high court judge, along with the district collector and Goswamis (temple priests), to oversee the temple's operations until the Allahabad High Court rules on the validity of the Uttar Pradesh government's ordinance.

The ordinance, issued by the state government, aimed to undertake a Rs 500 crore development project to improve facilities for pilgrims visiting the temple. However, the Goswamis, represented by senior advocate Shyam Divan, argued that the state's move was extraordinary as the issue was not previously before the constitutional courts. They claimed that the Supreme Court had earlier passed an order regarding the alleged mismanagement of the Guriraj temple, which prompted the state to issue the ordinance for the Banke Bihari temple without consulting the Goswamis.

The Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Surya Kant, acknowledged that the previous order was passed without hearing the Goswamis, which was improper. However, the court also recognized the state's intention to develop the temple and its surroundings to provide better facilities for pilgrims, which it deemed as a positive step. The bench emphasized the importance of religious tourism and its potential for revenue generation and job creation, but stressed the need for adequate facilities to handle the influx of visitors.

The interim committee proposed by the court may also include representatives from the Archaeological Survey of India and independent architects proficient in ancient building restoration to ensure the protection of the temple's heritage.