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UP Government Notifies Banke Bihari Ji Temple Trust Bill As Act

So the Uttar Pradesh government has officially turned the Banke Bihari Ji Temple Trust Bill into a law. This creates a legal structure for managing the temple's properties and offerings. The move aims to bring more transparency and better facilities for devotees. This comes as the Supreme Court is separately reviewing temple practices, having criticized paid "special pujas" and scheduling a hearing on the matter for 2026.

Key Points: UP Govt Notifies Banke Bihari Ji Temple Trust Act After Governor's Assent

  • UP government formally notifies temple trust bill as an act after governor's assent
  • Bill was passed by voice vote in both legislative houses during monsoon session
  • New law establishes legal framework for managing temple properties and offerings
  • Legislation aims to ensure better administration and transparency for devotees
  • Supreme Court had criticised paid 'special puja' practices at temples
  • Top court has issued notices to UP govt on plea against revised darshan timings
2 min read

UP government notifies Banke Bihari Ji Temple Trust bill as act

The Uttar Pradesh government has formally notified the Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple Trust Bill as an act, establishing a legal framework for the temple's management and administration.

"After closing the temple at 12 noon, they do not allow the deity to rest even for a minute. They rely most on the deity at this time. All affluent people who can pay the most hefty amounts are allowed to do special pujas. - Supreme Court Bench"

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), December 22

The Uttar Pradesh government notified the Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple Trust Bill as an act following the governor's assent on August 21.

The bill was passed by both the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. It was subsequently notified as an Act after receiving the Governor's assent.

During the Monsoon Session of the legislature, the Banke Bihari Ji Trust Bill was introduced in both Houses. Following discussions on August 13 and 14, the bill was passed by voice vote.

The Principal Secretary of the Legislative Assembly, Pradeep Dubey, will inform both Houses about the enactment of the law today.

With the enactment of the law, a legal framework has been established for the proposed trust to manage the Shri Banke Bihari Ji Temple, including its movable and immovable properties and offerings by devotees.

The objective of the legislation is to ensure better administration, enhanced transparency, and improved facilities for devotees, while safeguarding the temple's religious traditions.

Earlier, the Supreme Court criticised the practice of allowing affluent people to do 'special pujas' in temples after paying money, saying that the "current setup" amounted to exploiting the deity.

A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said, "After closing the temple at 12 noon, they do not allow the deity to rest even for a minute. They rely most on the deity at this time. All affluent people who can pay the most hefty amounts are allowed to do special pujas."

It also issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh government and the court-constituted High Powered Committee on a plea challenging the revised temple 'darshan' timings and the discontinuation of Dehri Puja at the Bankey Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple in Vrindavan, Mathura.

The top court was hearing a petition filed by the Management Committee of Thakur Shree Bankey Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple. The apex court has posted the matter for hearing on January 7, 2026.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While better administration is welcome, I hope this doesn't become overly bureaucratic. The temple's spiritual atmosphere and traditions must be preserved above all. The SC's observations about 'special pujas' for the wealthy are very valid.
R
Rohit P
Finally! The management of such a historic and revered temple needs a proper framework. Devotees' donations should be used for better facilities and seva, not mismanaged. Hope this act ensures that.
S
Sarah B
Interesting development. As an outsider, it seems like a move towards modern governance of religious institutions. The Supreme Court's involvement shows how complex balancing tradition, devotion, and fair access can be.
V
Vikram M
The SC bench made a strong point. A deity is not a revenue source. "Special pujas" for those who pay more goes against the very principle of Bhakti. The new trust must address this commercialisation first and foremost.
N
Nikhil C
Good move by the UP government. Now we need to see who is appointed to the trust. It should have genuine devotees and administrators, not just political appointees. The hearing in 2026 will be crucial.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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