New Delhi, June 16: The Supreme Court will hear a petition on Tuesday concerning the management of the Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura. This petition challenges certain decisions made by a high-level management committee established by the court to oversee the temple’s operations.
According to the cause list published on the Supreme Court’s official website, the bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Suryakant and Justice V. Mohan will preside over the case.
The petitioners argue that some decisions made by the high-level management committee have adversely affected the temple’s traditional religious practices. Issues raised include extending the hours for darshan (viewing of the deity) and discontinuing the traditional ‘Dehri Puja’ practice.
The hearing is also expected to focus on the comprehensive development of the temple complex and surrounding areas in Vrindavan.
In a previous hearing on May 26, the Supreme Court expanded the scope of the management committee by including four selected representatives from the Goswami groups for ‘Raj Bhog’ and ‘Shayan Bhog.’ This was done to ensure proper representation of traditional religious practices in the temple’s administration.
The Supreme Court directed the newly appointed members to collaborate on measures to maintain traditional practices and enhance the temple’s daily operations, including suggestions regarding temple hours based on seasonal changes.
Additionally, the court emphasized the need for overall development in the surrounding areas and instructed the Uttar Pradesh government and the committee to prepare a comprehensive development plan.
The proposed plan is expected to address infrastructure needs such as road widening, regulation of commercial activities, improved facilities for pilgrims, access to drinking water, hospitals, resting areas, transport services, and amenities for women, children, the elderly, and differently-abled devotees.
The state government and the management committee have been directed to submit a report detailing the proposed development measures for the court’s consideration.
Earlier, in August 2025, the Supreme Court established a high-level management committee chaired by retired Justice Ashok Kumar of the Allahabad High Court to oversee the daily operations of the Banke Bihari Temple. The committee was tasked with responsibilities related to crowd management, facilities for pilgrims, safety measures, and the overall development of the temple and its surroundings.
At the time of forming the committee, the Supreme Court also imposed a stay on certain provisions of the ‘Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025,’ which granted the state government the authority to create a separate trust for temple management. This stay will remain in effect until the Allahabad High Court rules on its validity.
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