The Supreme Court has formed a high-level committee to manage the Vrindavan Shri Banke Bihari Temple, with retired Allahabad High Court Justice Ashok Kumar at its helm. This decision was reached on Saturday, August 9, 2025, as the court addressed the management and development of the iconic temple.

The formation of this committee comes in light of the Uttar Pradesh government's ordinance, the Shri Bankey Bihari Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025, which aims to take over the temple's management. The Supreme Court questioned the "tearing hurry" of the Uttar Pradesh government in enacting this ordinance. The newly formed committee will oversee the temple's day-to-day operations until the Allahabad High Court rules on the ordinance's validity.

The Supreme Court's decision to intervene was influenced by several factors. The court acknowledged a stampede in 2022 that resulted in pilgrim deaths, emphasizing the need for better administration. Additionally, despite substantial donations, the court noted a lack of tangible improvements to facilities for devotees and internal disputes among the Goswami Shebaits.

The interim panel is not only responsible for managing the temple's daily affairs but also for planning its holistic development. This includes exploring the possibility of acquiring land through private negotiations to expand and improve the temple premises. If private negotiations are unsuccessful, the state is directed to lawfully acquire the necessary land.

The Supreme Court has instructed the Deputy District Commissioner, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), and the Principal Secretary of the Dharmarth Karya Vibhag of the state government to provide full cooperation to the committee and to meticulously follow any instructions or recommendations made by the chairperson. The committee will also have an office in Mathura.

The bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, while establishing the committee, also expressed concerns regarding orders passed by the Allahabad High Court related to the case, particularly the use of "intemperate language" against the Uttar Pradesh government. The Supreme Court is urging the High Court to expedite the hearing regarding the ordinance's constitutional validity.