Bankey Bihari temple ordinance not intended to interfere in religious rights, only limited to secular activities of the ancient temple: UP govt in SC

The Uttar Pradesh government maintained in the Supreme Court on Tuesday (August 5, 2025) that it did not intend to interfere with religious rights by promulgating an ordinance taking over the management of the ancient Bankey Bihari temple at Vrindavan in Mathura.

The State was responding to a query from a Bench headed by Justice Surya Kant on July 4 about its “undue haste” in bringing out the ordinance.

Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj, for Uttar Pradesh, said the ambit of the ordinance was limited to secular activities and administration of the temple. He said the ordinance was expected to be ratified in the State Assembly.

Noting the temple was historic, Mr. Nataraj said the government was keen to develop the temple by providing better facilities to worshippers like in the cases of Ayodhya and Kashi.

“The temple is historic. About 20,000 to 30,000 people come to worship at the temple every day. Weekends see two to three lakh devotees. There is a requirement for better facilities, better administration. There has been mismanagement of funds,” Mr. Nataraj submitted.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared for the current temple management, objected to the submission of “mismanagement of funds”. 

The court was hearing a plea of the management committee of the temple which has challenged the ordinance.

“There was no allegation of mismanagement of funds at any stage,” Mr. Sibal countered. Mr. Nataraj said ‘mismanagement’ meant “everyone was managing”.

Justice Kant said the local administration must get involved in the temple administration. Mr. Sibal suggested, as an interim measure, to restrict entry to the temple to 25,000 people each in the morning and evening.

But Justice Kant said such a measure would be very difficult as people come from all over the country to worship at the temple.

The court allowed Mr. Sibal time till Friday to consider the State’s suggestions on the temple administration and betterment of facilities.

On Monday, the apex court had also expressed disapproval of the “clandestine” manner employed by the State to secure the court’s permission by getting a judgment on May 15 through filing a civil dispute to use temple funds to develop the Shri Banke Bihari Temple Corridor project.

The Bench had orally considered recalling its directions in the May verdict allowing the use of the temple funds for the corridor development project, which may spell a blow to the State government’s plans. The court had also proposed a committee to manage the temple until the High Court decided the validity of the ordinance.

The Bench had adjourned the case to August 5, asking Mr. Nataraj to take instructions from the State government on the suggestions.

“This is the land of Lord Krishna. He was the first mediator known to the world. Let’s find a way out to resolve the dispute pending for years and develop the area in the interest of lakhs of devotees who visit these iconic religious places. Basic amenities need to be created as nowadays religious tourism is one of the biggest sources of revenue,” Justice Kant had orally observed on Monday.