New Delhi (Agency): The Allahabad High Court has approved the development of the Vrindavan Banke Bihari Temple Corridor, proposed by the Uttar Pradesh Government, while ensuring that the plan does not hinder devotees’ darshan. The Court’s decision is based on Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution of India, which protect religious freedom.
The High Court, comprising Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker and Justice Ashutosh Srivastava, directed the Government to remove encroachments in and around the temple but restrained the use of Rs. 262.50 Crores from the deity’s bank account for constructing the corridor. The Court emphasized that these funds should remain untouched as it had not adjudicated the inter se rights of the State and the Sevayats (Goswami Samaj).
The ruling was in response to a PIL concerning crowd management and the safety and security of pilgrims visiting the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. The Court observed that the proper management of temples and religious places is a matter of public interest and necessary for the advancement of righteous values and well-being of devotees.
The Court held that the State Government must act in accordance with the law to provide better facilities to devotees around the Temple premise. The directions were issued considering the principles of public health and morality enshrined in the Constitution.
Regarding the management of the temple, the Court noted various disputes and criminal cases involving the Goswamis and the challenges faced by devotees in offering prayers due to unmanaged crowds. The Court clarified that the rights of the parties and related questions remain open for consideration.
The Scheme for the development of the Temple area requires the purchase of about 5 acres of land around the Temple for facilitating darshan and puja, including provisions for parking and other public amenities. It was specifically recorded that there would be no interference in the puja or shringar carried out by the Goswamis, and their rights would not be affected.
The Court’s decision marks a significant step in addressing the management and development concerns surrounding the historic Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. For more detailed insights into the ruling and its implications, follow the reports from the Live Law News Network.