The Supreme Court has decided to suspend the Uttar Pradesh government’s ordinance that sought to take over the management of the Shri Banke Bihari temple in Mathura. The law, known as the Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025, will remain on hold until the Allahabad High Court decides on its validity.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi announced that an interim committee, led by a former high court judge, will manage the temple in the meantime. The court also confirmed that the ordinance’s provisions, including the creation of a new trust, will not come into effect until the high court delivers its verdict.
The move comes after petitions were filed by the temple management and members of the Sewayat Goswami community. They challenged both the May 26 ordinance and an earlier Supreme Court ruling of May 15, which had allowed the use of temple funds for a corridor project covering five kilometres around the temple. The petitioners argued that the ordinance was introduced hastily without consulting key stakeholders.
The Supreme Court acknowledged these concerns and assured that two members of the Sewayat Goswami community will be part of the interim committee. District officials will also assist the committee to ensure smooth management.
The bench noted that its decision would protect temple funds from being used by the state for land acquisition linked to the Banke Bihari Corridor project. The court emphasised that such a significant change in temple management should not proceed without proper hearings and involvement of affected parties.
Earlier, the state government had defended the ordinance by stating that it aimed to improve facilities for devotees and bring development similar to projects undertaken at Kashi Vishwanath and Ayodhya temples. However, the Supreme Court criticised the way the ordinance was brought in, describing it as rushed and lacking consultation.
The case will now continue in the Allahabad High Court, which will decide on the constitutional validity of the ordinance. Until then, the interim arrangement will ensure that the temple’s daily operations continue without disruption.
