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Indian Express

SC nod for UP govt to use Banke Bihari temple funds for corridor project

THE SUPREME Court on Thursday cleared the Uttar Pradesh government's proposal to use funds from the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan for buying five acres around it for a corridor project, emphasising that the land proposed to be purchased 'shall be in the name of the deity/(temple) trust.' In November 2023, the Allahabad High Court, while clearing the corridor plan, had restrained the state from using temple funds for buying the land. The state challenged this through an intervention application filed in a case in which it was hearing a matter related to the administration and safety of temples in the Braj region. Allowing the plea, a bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and S C Sharma said, 'it is in public interest to decide the issue… expeditiously.' Referring to the proposed scheme placed on record by the state of UP for development of the temple, it said, 'upon a perusal of the same and the consequent assessments, it has been ascertained that five acres around the temple is to be acquired and developed by constructing parking lots, accommodation for the devotees, toilets, security check posts and other amenities. As observed by the High Court vide order dated 08.11.2023, the acquisition of land around the temple and the consequent development project is crucial to ensure the safety of the pilgrims.' The court said 'the State of UP has undertaken to incur costs of more than Rs 500 Crores to develop the corridor. However, they propose to utilise 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 ruling said 'the Banke Bihari Ji Trust is having fixed deposits in the name of the Deity/Temple. In the considered opinion of this Court, the State Government is permitted to utilise the amount lying in the fixed deposit to acquire the land proposed. But the land acquired for purposes of development of the temple and corridor shall be in the name of the Deity/Trust.'