In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court on May 15 permitted the Uttar Pradesh Government to use funds from the Shri Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan, for purchasing 5 acres of land around the temple for a corridor project. The Court clarified that the acquired land must be registered in the name of the deity.
The bench, comprising Justices Bela M. Trivedi and S.C. Sharma, modified an earlier Allahabad High Court order that had prohibited the use of temple funds for land purchase. After reviewing the state's ₹500 crore development plan for the temple corridor, the Supreme Court allowed the use of the temple's fixed deposits.
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"State Permitted to Use Temple Funds": Supreme Court
"The State of Uttar Pradesh has undertaken to incur costs of more than ₹500 Crores to develop the corridor. However, they propose to utilize the Temple funds for purchasing the land in question; which was denied by the High Court vide order dated 08.11.2023. We permit the State of Uttar Pradesh to implement the Scheme in its entirety," the Court stated.
The Court emphasized that the funds in the fixed deposits belong to the deity/temple, and their utilization for land acquisition is permissible, provided the land is registered in the deity’s or trust's name.
The Supreme Court's decision to approve the corridor plan was influenced by the tragic 2022 stampede at the Banke Bihari Temple, which highlighted the need for better crowd management and infrastructure. The Court noted widespread maladministration in temples across the Braj region and stressed the importance of proper governance for public safety and spiritual welfare.
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Justice Sharma, in the judgment, also cited the Uttar Pradesh Braj Planning and Development Board Act, 2015, highlighting the state's responsibility in improving infrastructure. This includes developing parking areas, accommodation, public amenities, security posts, and other facilities for pilgrims.
The Court pointed out that the religious significance of Mathura and Vrindavan, which attract millions of devotees, requires a collective effort for infrastructure development. Apart from the corridor, key sites such as Yamuna river, Kashi Ghat, Vishram Ghat, and Kusum Sarovar need focused attention and beautification.
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“Mathura and Vrindavan, being historical cities, have found their descriptions in most of the religious scriptures and are visited by millions of people every year. There is a great rush of pilgrims... The development of Mathura and Vrindavan cannot be done by parties individually... It has to be a collective effort by the Government, Trusts, people of Mathura and Vrindavan and other agencies," the Court observed.
With this decision, the Supreme Court has paved the way for the comprehensive development of the Shri Banke Bihari Temple corridor, ensuring safety, comfort, and a spiritually enriching experience for millions of devotees.
Case Title: ISHWAR CHANDA SHARMA VERSUS DEVENDRA KUMAR SHARMA & ORS.
