The Uttar Pradesh government has agreed to the Supreme Court's proposal to appoint an interim committee to manage the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan. This decision is pending the Allahabad High Court's ruling on the legality of the state's ordinance concerning the temple's takeover, which aims to facilitate the development of a temple corridor and improve pilgrim facilities.
The state conveyed its agreement to a Supreme Court bench consisting of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi. Additional Solicitor General K M Nataraj stated that Uttar Pradesh has no objections to the formation of an interim management committee. This committee would be headed by a retired High Court judge appointed by the Supreme Court. The committee's responsibilities would include managing the temple's administration, accessing temple funds, and initiating the construction of the corridor. The state has committed to providing financial support for the project in partnership with the temple administration, similar to the Kashi Vishwanath temple development.
However, the government stipulated that the retired judge appointed to lead the committee should be a "Sanatani Hindu" belonging to the Vaishnav sect. This condition is intended to ensure that the religious sentiments of the devotees of Shri Banke Bihari Ji Maharaj are respected.
In addition to the retired judge, the state proposed that the committee include several officials:
The Goswamis, who claim hereditary control over the temple's management and rituals and have challenged the validity of the ordinance, were not included in the state's proposed committee. Their counsel, Kapil Sibal, informed the bench that they would file objections to this exclusion, and the Supreme Court granted them time until Friday to do so. The state refuted the Goswamis' claim over the temple and surrounding land, asserting that the land belongs to the Govind Deo temple according to revenue records. The state emphasized the urgent need for improved facilities at the temple.
The Banke Bihari Temple, built in 1860, holds significant religious importance. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha Rani and is known for its unique Rajasthani architectural style. The idol of Shri Banke Bihari is worshipped as the combined form of Shri Krishna and Radha Rani which makes it highly revered and special for devotees. The idol is in the Tribhanga pose, meaning it is bent from three angles.
