SC Orders Transparent System to Track Every Rupee Donated at Banke Bihari Temple

The Supreme Court has taken a strict stand over allegations of irregularities in the handling of donations at the Shri Banke Bihari Maharaj Temple in Vrindavan. The court has directed that every rupee offered by devotees must be deposited directly into the temple treasury, either through donation boxes or approved online channels.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana was hearing petitions concerning the management and administration of the famous Vrindavan temple.
The court made it clear that no person associated with the temple, including its sevayats, would be permitted to retain or divert offerings before they are deposited into the temple’s official treasury. Any attempt to obstruct the proper collection of donations will be viewed seriously, the court said.

The Supreme Court has directed the temple management committee to establish a transparent mechanism for handling donations and maintaining proper accounts of all offerings received from devotees.
The court also said that any proposal to purchase property using temple funds must be placed before the Supreme Court before the transaction is completed.

The directions are aimed at ensuring greater financial accountability and preventing alleged misuse or diversion of temple donations.
Earlier Changes in Temple Management
The Supreme Court had earlier ordered significant changes in the management of the Banke Bihari Temple. In May, it directed that the selection of representatives from the Goswami community for the temple’s high-powered committee should not be left solely to administrative discretion.

The court had emphasized that representatives chosen through a democratic process should represent the community on the committee, marking another step toward greater transparency and accountability in the temple’s administration.