Aarohi Girish Dhumale
On 15th May, 2025, the Supreme Court granted approval to the Uttar Pradesh Government to proceed with its development plan costing Rs. 500 crores for the Shri Banke Bihari Temple Corridor in Vrindavan.
A Division Bench of Justice Bela Trivedi and Justice SC Sharma heard the case. The project is designed to enhance infrastructure and provide a safer, more comfortable pilgrimage experience. The Supreme Court permitted the state to use temple funds to acquire around five acres of land surrounding the temple. The land must be registered in the name of the deity or the temple trust and designated for essential public amenities.
The Supreme Court said that it is a collective responsibility of everyone to ensure that the pilgrimages are carried out peacefully.
The Court recalled the 2022 stampede at the temple, attributing the tragedy to inadequate crowd management and insufficient facilities.
The Supreme Court also voiced its concern over the appointment of Receivers (court-appointed administrators) who lack a deep understanding of the cultural and religious context of sacred sites like Mathura and Vrindavan.
The Court directed the Civil Judge (Senior Division), Mathura, to appoint a Receiver who possesses administrative experience along with historical, religious, and social awareness—preferably someone belonging to the Vaishnav tradition.
Case Name: Ishwar Chanda Sharma v. Devendra Kumar Sharma and Others
Case Number: SLP(C) No. 29702 OF 2024
Bench: Justice Bela Trivedi and Justice SC Sharma
Click here to access the order dated 15.05.2025
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