Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 27: The Supreme Court on Tuesday introduced key changes in the administration of the renowned Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan by directing that representatives of the Goswami community in the temple’s High-Powered Committee should be selected through an internal democratic process rather than through official nominations.
The apex court observed that the move was necessary to ensure fair representation of the Goswami community in matters concerning temple traditions, rituals and administration.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed that two members each from the Shayan Bhog and Raj Bhog Goswami groups be included in the committee managing the temple affairs.
Accordingly, the court ordered the inclusion of Gopesh Goswami and Himanshu Goswami from the Shayan Bhog group, and Rajat Goswami and Shailendra Goswami from the Raj Bhog group.
The bench stated that the Goswami representatives would provide suggestions on preserving traditional religious customs, temple rituals and daily functioning, while ensuring that devotees are not subjected to exploitation.
The court said it expected the committee to give due consideration to suggestions made by the Goswami representatives regarding temple timings, seva practices and management issues.
The High-Powered Committee headed by former Allahabad High Court judge Justice Ashok Kumar had been constituted by the Supreme Court in August last year after staying the Uttar Pradesh government’s Banke Bihari Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025.
The earlier process of appointing Goswami representatives had triggered objections from sections of the Goswami community, who alleged arbitrary selection by officials.
Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the Goswami Samaj, told the court that several administrative changes had interfered with long-standing temple traditions and rituals associated with Rajbhog, Shayan Bhog, Dehri Pujan, Vishram Kaal and Phool Bangla Seva.
He argued that such practices were deeply rooted in the temple’s religious heritage and should not be altered for administrative convenience. Divan also opposed the imposition of a Rs 1 lakh fee for certain summer rituals and raised concerns over the use of bright halogen lights during live telecasts inside the temple premises.
Appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government and the committee, Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj informed the court that a comprehensive Master Plan for Vrindavan, including a proposed corridor project, was under preparation. He said land acquisition for infrastructure expansion was progressing rapidly.
The Supreme Court also expressed concern over overcrowding and congestion around the temple premises and stressed the need for modern crowd-management systems.
The bench directed the state government and the committee to prepare a broader development plan covering road widening, traffic regulation, public amenities, emergency facilities, waiting areas and transport arrangements, including battery-operated vehicles for senior citizens.
At the same time, the court underlined that traditional religious practices should be preserved as far as possible, provided there was no exploitation of devotees in the name of donations or preferential access.
The matter is likely to be taken up again after the committee and the Uttar Pradesh government submit their detailed development and management proposals before the court.