God of all, why funds one? Supreme Court’s strong question from Banke Bihari Committee

New Delhi

The hearing was held in the Supreme Court today on the Shri Banke Bihari temple corridor of Vrindavan and its maintenance. The apex court has indicated to form a committee under the chairmanship of the retired High Court Judge to monitor the development of the temple and the development of its surrounding area. At the same time, the Supreme Court also asked sharp questions from the Banke Bihari Management Committee and made strict comments. The Supreme Court said that God belongs to everyone, why do you want all the funds to go to your pocket?

The Supreme Court indicated that the order of permission to use the temple funds to make the corridor to the Uttar Pradesh government on 15 May could be withdrawn. The hearing has been adjourned till 10:30 am on Tuesday, August 5.

The Temple Management Committee has filed a petition protesting against the ordinance of the state government regarding the management of the temple. The committee has also opposed the decision of the Supreme Court on 15 May in which the state government was allowed to use temple funds to build a Banke Bihari corridor.

A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joyamalya Bagchi raised sharp questions to the temple committee. The court said, ‘The temple can be private, but the gods belong to everyone. Millions of devotees come there. The fund of the temple cannot be used in the convenience of devotees and development related to safety? Why do you want the whole fund to go to your pocket? ‘ The Supreme Court also said that the petitioner should challenge the law of the state government in the High Court.

May the Supreme Court withdraw the order of May 15?
After the hearing that lasted about 50 minutes, the judges indicated that the May 15 order could be withdrawn. At present, a committee can be formed under the chairmanship of a retired High Court Judge for the management of the temple. The District Magistrate will also be kept in it. In view of the historical importance of the region, the Archaeological Survey of India will also be helped in the development around it. The court said that religious tourism should be promoted. For this, development of proper facilities is necessary.

What did the Supreme Court say on the order of May 15?
In response to the strict questions of the court, Diwan said, ‘The real thing is that how did such an order come from the Supreme Court without listening to us? The matter was something else, there was a sudden order in it to be taken to build the fund corridor of the temple. Expressing consent from this, he said that the development of some place is the responsibility of the government. If it acquires land or so she can do this with her own money.

Dispute between two groups regarding religious activities and management in the temple
On behalf of the petitioner, senior advocate Shyam Dewan said that Banke Bihari Temple is a private temple. There was a dispute between 2 groups regarding religious activities and management. The state government intervened without authority. She brought the case to the Supreme Court and ordered the use of temple funds for the corridor. After this, an ordinance was also released quickly. As a result, Goswami, who was established by the temple and handling it for centuries, was out of the management.