Supreme Court Criticizes UP Government Over Banke Bihari Temple Dispute
New Delhi, May 30, 2025: On Tuesday, the Supreme Court strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for interfering in a private dispute concerning the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. A bench led by Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma warned that such actions by the state could weaken the rule of law. The court questioned, “Why is the state getting involved in a private matter? If governments start meddling in private disputes, it will harm the rule of law.” This statement was made during a hearing on a plea to reconsider the court’s May 15, 2025, order related to the temple’s redevelopment plan.
Case Details
The dispute involves the management and redevelopment of the Shri Banke Bihari Temple. The UP government planned to use the temple’s funds to purchase 5 acres of land for a corridor project. On May 15, 2025, the Supreme Court approved this, allowing the use of the temple’s fixed deposits, provided the land is registered in the name of the temple’s deity.
Devendra Nath Goswami, claiming to be a descendant of the temple’s founder, Swami Hari Das Ji Goswami, challenged this decision. He stated that his family has managed the temple for 500 years. His lawyer, Kapil Sibal, argued that transferring the temple’s Rs 300 crore fund to the government without consulting them was unjust. Sibal asked, “How can a private temple’s money be handed over to the government based on another petition?”
Supreme Court’s Concerns
Justice Nagarathna questioned the UP government’s role as a party in a private dispute. She said, “Why did the state apply to be a party in a matter between two private groups? You can improve the temple without being a party. What’s the issue?” The court emphasized that government interference in private matters threatens the rule of law.
Justice Sharma suggested that Goswami file a review petition, but Sibal disagreed, stating, “We should have been made a party first. Our private property cannot be taken without a hearing.”
UP Government’s Stand
The UP government’s lawyer informed the court that a trust has been created to manage the temple and the corridor project, not the government directly. On May 26, 2025, the government issued an ordinance establishing this trust, which will oversee the temple’s funds and the corridor work. The lawyer argued that this ordinance renders the Supreme Court’s earlier order irrelevant, as the funds will now be managed by the trust.
The Supreme Court did not issue a notice but directed the government to provide the ordinance’s copy to the petitioner and ordered the principal secretary of the relevant department to submit an affidavit by July 29. The next hearing is set for July 29, 2025.
Case Background
The Banke Bihari Temple, established in 1862, is a major pilgrimage site in North India, dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha. Managed by sevayats (hereditary priests), it faced issues like overcrowding, leading to a stampede-like incident in 2022 during Janmashtami, where two devotees died. This prompted the corridor plan.
On November 8, 2023, the Allahabad High Court approved the corridor but prohibited the use of temple funds. The UP government appealed, and on May 15, 2025, the Supreme Court permitted the use of the temple’s funds.
Reason for the Dispute
Goswami argues that his family’s 500-year legacy of managing the temple is being undermined by the government’s actions. He claims the redevelopment plan was made without their consent, risking the temple’s cultural and historical significance. The government, however, insists the corridor will improve facilities like parking, restrooms, and security for devotees.
This case highlights tensions between temple autonomy, government involvement, and public welfare. The upcoming hearing will further examine the ordinance and the trust’s role.
