SC Raises Concern Over ‘Influential People’ Performing Special Pujas at Banke Bihari Temple

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed displeasure with people in important positions being allowed to conduct special pujas at the well-known Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, which affects the sleep of Lord Banke Bihari. "In a way, if the deity is not being allowed to have their sleep, people in important positions are being allowed to conduct special pujas," observed Chief Justice Surya Kant, hearing the matter.

"This observation was made when the Thakur Banke Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple Management Committee was arguing in opposition to the change in timings of 'darshan.' However, a notice was issued to the court-appointed High Powered Management Committee and State of Uttar Pradesh on a petition filed by the Thakur Banke Bihari Ji Maharaj Temple Management Committee."

The petition challenges certain decisions of the High Powered Committee, including the extension of the temple's darshan timings and the ban on dehri puja. The court will hear the matter again in the first week of January. On Monday, the matter was listed for hearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Joymalya Bagchi, and Vipul M. Pancholi.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, representing the petitioner, objected to the change in darshan timings, arguing that the darshan puja timings are part of a long tradition and are a sensitive issue. Changing temple timings is tantamount to changing temple rituals, such as when the deity will wake up in the morning and when it will sleep at night.

While Dewan was making these arguments, Chief Justice Surya Kant asked, "What do they do after the temple closes at 12 noon? Where do they let the deity rest? They harass him. Those who are influential and can pay more are allowed to perform special pujas."

However, Dewan denied this, saying, "This is not right. The court can ensure that this does not happen. This is a very important time for the deity to rest. This is an important issue. The timings must be observed." The Chief Justice said, "This is the time when they engage in all these practices. They invite those who can pay for special pujas."

Shyam Dewan, arguing on behalf of the petitioner temple servants, denied this, saying that the puja timings are sacred and must be strictly observed. He said that the temple has long followed seasonal timings.

He opposed the High Power Committee's change in timings and insisted on maintaining the traditional schedule while ensuring public safety. He also opposed the discontinuation of Dehri Puja and spoke of the Guru-Shishya tradition. However, he said that special darshans, as the court is expressing concern about, should not be permitted. After hearing arguments, the bench issued notice on the petition.