The Supreme Court has set out strict guidelines on donations collected from the Banke Bihari Temple of Vrindavan. The court made it clear that every rupee collected from the devotees for the temple, either by way of donation boxes or online, should go directly into the treasury of the temple.
Any attempt by servants or anyone else to block the collection of donations to the temple's treasury will not be taken lightly. The court further directed the management committee of the temple to adopt an open system for donations and to take all measures needed to avoid irregularities.
This order was passed by a Bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, and comprised of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana. In the course of arguments, some issues were raised regarding the utilization of temple funds as well as the purchase of property.
Senior advocate Shyam Dewan, appearing for the petitioning sevayats, said that temple funds were being used to purchase property.
Senior advocate Maninder Singh, representing the High Power Management Committee constituted by the court, argued that these individuals object to the use of funds but are not allowing the donations to be converted into funds.
They are keeping the money in their bags. He stated that there is a video of three people standing in front of the donation box (golak) collecting money from devotees and putting it in their polythene bags.
During the hearing, the sevayats argued that the money collected by the treasurer is for offerings, and that this right of the sevayats is protected by a civil court order.
The court clarified that the donation must first be dedicated to the deity. No sevayat can claim their share of the money before the devotee gives it to the deity. The money will first go to the deity's fund, and then the corresponding share will be received. Justice Bagchi also commented that the priest cannot have 'garnishee rights' over the deity.
The court stated that it has authorized development work. The court authorized the construction of dispensaries, toilets, and other facilities. Dewan stated that darshan arrangements should be streamlined, such as through ticketing or an online system.
Senior lawyer Maninder Singh, representing the High Power Management Committee constituted by the court, stated that five and a half acres of land is needed for development. Half an acre has been purchased, and efforts are underway to acquire the remaining land.
However, the petitioners are obstructing this process. Regarding the land purchase, the court said, "Continue negotiations and inform the court if a mutual agreement is reached. If any obstacles remain, we will direct the state government."
The High Power Committee has filed a status report with the court. The court has given all parties two weeks to submit their objections and responses to the report. The dispute arose when the Uttar Pradesh government brought the temple's management under a statutory framework through the Banke Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance 2025.
The proposed state-controlled trust has been opposed by Sevayat Goswamis through a petition. The dispute also relates to the permission to use temple funds for the construction of the temple corridor. In August 2025, the Supreme Court constituted a high-level management committee that oversees the temple's management.
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