Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 25: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed that every donation made to the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, whether through donation boxes or online, must be deposited directly into the temple treasury.

The court also warned that any attempt by sevayats or others to obstruct the process would be viewed seriously and directed the temple management committee to establish a transparent mechanism for handling donations.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana issued the directions while hearing the matter concerning the management and functioning of the temple.

During the proceedings, senior advocate Maninder Singh placed before the court a status report prepared by the high-powered committee overseeing the temple.

The court was also informed about allegations of irregularities in the handling of devotees' offerings. Advocate NK Goswami alleged that crores of rupees had been siphoned off from temple donations.

Singh told the bench that photographs and video footage showed people allegedly collecting money from devotees near the traditional golak donation boxes and placing it in polythene bags.

Taking note of the allegations, the Supreme Court stressed that all offerings must reach the temple treasury through authorised channels and called for a transparent system to prevent any diversion or misuse of donations.

The directions come amid continuing proceedings concerning the administration and management of the prominent Vrindavan temple. The Supreme Court has previously dealt with issues relating to the proposed trust and management of the Banke Bihari Temple.