Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Bankey Bihari Temple Dispute Back in Court
The Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple in Vrindavan is facing a dispute over its management.
The temple, managed by hereditary priests called Goswamis, has been in court since 1938.
Recently, the Supreme Court set up a committee to handle the temple's affairs, but the temple management and a Sevayat are now questioning the committee's authority.
They argue that the committee is interfering with religious practices and internal management, which are protected by the Constitution.
The dispute is back in court to clarify the committee's powers and ensure that religious rituals are not affected.
The temple management and a Sevayat filed a petition questioning the High-Powered Temple Management Committee's (HPTMC) authority.
The petition argues that the HPTMC is interfering with religious practices and internal management, protected by Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.
The temple has been managed by hereditary priests (Goswamis) since the 1500s, with a court-approved management scheme in place since 1939.
The Supreme Court set up the HPTMC in August 2023 as an interim measure, but the petitioners challenge its recent decisions, including changes to darshan timings and access arrangements.
The Supreme Court has previously ruled on the temple's funds, directing that Rs 262.50 crore in the deity's bank account should remain untouched.
- Who
- Temple management committee and Sevayat Rajat Goswami
- What
- Filed a petition questioning the functioning of the High-Powered Temple Management Committee (HPTMC)
- When
- Less than five months after the Supreme Court's intervention in August 2023
- Where
- Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- To clarify the limits of the HPTMC's authority and protect religious practices and internal management
- Temple
- Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple, Vrindavan
- Management Committee
- High-Powered Temple Management Committee (HPTMC)
- Petitioners
- Temple management committee and Sevayat Rajat Goswami
- Constitutional Articles
- Articles 25 and 26 (religious practices and internal management)
- Temple Funds
- Rs 262.50 crore in deity's bank account
- Recent Court Action
- Supreme Court expunged May order, restored High Court's position on temple funds
- Key Issue
- Limits of HPTMC's authority over religious practices and internal management
