Archive · 30 Jun 2025
SC Rejects Plea on Temple Management; Asks Petitioner to HC
Someone wanted the Supreme Court to change who runs a very important Buddhist temple.
The court said no and told them to go to a different court in Patna.
The law says a committee with some Hindu people runs the temple now.
The person thought this was unfair and broke the rules that let Buddhists practice their religion freely.
The court disagreed and told them to try again at a different court.
The Supreme Court rejected a plea to hand over the Mahabodhi Temple's management to Buddhists.
The petition, filed by Sulekha Kumbhare, sought changes to the Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949.
The Act currently gives control to a committee with Hindu representation and the District Magistrate as chairman.
Kumbhare argued that the current management violates Buddhists' fundamental rights under Articles 25, 26, and 29.
The court directed the petitioner to approach the Patna High Court instead.
- Who
- The Supreme Court and petitioner Sulekha Kumbhare.
- What
- The Supreme Court rejected a petition regarding the management of the Mahabodhi Temple.
- When
- The decision was made on Monday.
- Where
- The Supreme Court in New Delhi.
- Why
- The court directed the petitioner to approach the Patna High Court instead.
Buddhist Community's Perspective
Supreme Court's Ruling
Management and Control
Buddhist Community's Perspective
The existing Act and management structure infringe upon fundamental rights of the Buddhist community.
Supreme Court's Ruling
The current management structure is in line with the existing laws as upheld by the Supreme Court.
Legal Path
Buddhist Community's Perspective
The petitioner believes management should be fully handed over to Buddhists.
Supreme Court's Ruling
The Court believes the Patna High Court is the appropriate venue for the case to be presented.
- Temple
- Mahabodhi Temple
- Location
- Bodh Gaya, Bihar
- Petitioner
- Sulekha Kumbhare
- Act
- Bodh Gaya Temple Act 1949
- Court's Decision
- Directed petitioner to Patna High Court
