The Supreme Court has formed an interim committee to manage the affairs of the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. This committee will be headed by retired Allahabad High Court Judge, Justice Ashok Kumar.
Until the Allahabad High Court reaches a decision on the UP government's ordinance, this committee will manage the temple's operations. During this period, the UP government is prevented from establishing a new trust under its ordinance as the Supreme Court has stayed this part of the ordinance.
Remuneration and Benefits
The chairman of the committee, Justice Ashok Kumar, will receive a monthly honorarium of 2 lakh rupees, sourced from the temple's bank accounts.
Transportation and necessary assistance will be provided to him.
Member Mukesh Mishra will receive a monthly honorarium of 1 lakh rupees, drawn from the temple's funds.
The committee will have an office in Mathura, for which the district administration has been ordered to provide space immediately and free of charge.
Court's Clear Directive
The Supreme Court has declined to hear the petition challenging the UP government's ordinance, directing the petitioners to approach the Allahabad High Court instead.
The court also decided that the committee will plan the development of the temple and its surroundings, and necessary land can be acquired through private negotiations. If negotiations fail, the state government could lawfully acquire the land.
Goswami's Rights
No other Goswami or Sevayat besides the four representative Goswamis in the committee will be allowed to intervene in significant temple matters. Other Goswamis will retain rights only for prayer, service, and offering prasad.
Committee Members
1. Chairman – Justice Ashok Kumar (Retired Judge, Allahabad High Court) 2. Mukesh Mishra (Retired District & Sessions Judge, ₹1 lakh monthly honorarium) 3. District & Sessions Judge or Civil Judge, Mathura 4. District Collector, Mathura 5. Senior Superintendent of Police, Mathura 6. Municipal Commissioner 7. Vice President of Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority 8. Renowned Architect 9. Representative from the Archaeological Survey of India 10. Two members from each of the two Goswami groups
