UP okay with ex-judge-led Banke Bihari panel, but says he must be 'Sanatani Hindu'
The state clarified that it had no objection to the constitution of an interim committee by the court, provided it is led by a retired High Court judge. The committee would manage the temple's day-to-day affairs and have access to temple funds to initiate work on the proposed corridor project, pending implementation of the state's Banke Bihari Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025. The government also assured the court that it is committed to financing the project in partnership with the temple administration, citing the example of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple redevelopment.During the hearing, the Additional Solicitor General, representing the state, said the government's intention was not to interfere in religious practices, but to ensure proper temple management and prevent misuse of funds. The government also stressed the need for tight law and order controls, pointing out that the temple's limited size and logistical challenges had led to a deadly stampede in 2022 in which several people were injured and some lost their lives.The state proposed the inclusion of the civil judge who has been overseeing temple affairs for several years, noting that his experience would support the functioning of the committee.It also recommended the involvement of key administrative and planning officials, including the District Magistrate, Senior Superintendent of Police, Municipal Commissioner, Vice Chairman of the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority, the Principal Secretary of the Dharmarth Karya Department, and a representative from the Archaeological Survey of India. The Dharmarth Karya Department has already earmarked Rs 150 crore for the temple's development.The Supreme Court was hearing petitions filed by temple priests challenging the Banke Bihari Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025, and also seeking modifications to the court's earlier order that allowed the Uttar Pradesh government to utilise temple funds for infrastructure and administrative purposes.- EndsMust Watch
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