Bankey Bihari Temple Dispute Returns To Supreme Court Over Powers Of Court-Appointed Committee

Less than five months after the Supreme Court constituted a High-Powered Temple Management Committee for the Bankey Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple, the dispute has returned to the Court.

The temple committee and a Sevayat have sought clarification on the scope of the committee’s powers, alleging that interim administrative decisions are impacting religious practices.

While not challenging the constitution of the committee itself, the plea contends that directions on darshan timings and devotee access intrude into matters protected under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution.

The case revives questions on where the line lies between judicial oversight of temple administration and the autonomy of religious practices.