On August 4, the Supreme Court referred to Lord Krishna as the “first mediator” while hearing the sensitive and ongoing dispute regarding the management of the revered Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. The statement was made during deliberations between the Uttar Pradesh government and the temple authorities. The Court’s invocation of Krishna’s role as a peacemaker from the Mahabharata was a symbolic reminder of the need for balance and resolution.

The bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, sharply criticised the Uttar Pradesh government for its “tearing hurry” in enforcing the Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025. This ordinance proposes a government-led takeover of the temple’s administration, which has traditionally remained with the ‘goswami’ families for centuries.

Adding to the concerns, the Court expressed displeasure at the “clandestine manner” in which the government managed to secure a judgment on May 15—one that permitted the usage of the temple’s financial reserves to fund a corridor redevelopment project. The bench noted that this was done “by filing an application in a pending civil dispute”, bypassing open deliberation.

In light of these developments, the Court suggested recalling the earlier directions and instead recommended forming a neutral committee led by a retired High Court judge to supervise the temple’s affairs during the legal review period. The ordinance’s constitutional validity is now to be examined by the Allahabad High Court.

During the session, the Supreme Court firmly instructed that “temple rituals will continue under the existing family tradition.” This was a significant reassurance to the goswamis, who have for generations performed the daily rites at the temple.

The Uttar Pradesh government had introduced the ordinance with plans to spend ₹500 crore from the temple’s resources for a large-scale corridor redevelopment project. In light of this, the Court once again encouraged peaceful resolution and dialogue, stating: “Lord Krishna was the first mediator, please try to mediate the matter.”

It was proposed that a part of the Supreme Court’s May 15 judgement—which gave the state authority over the temple funds—be kept in abeyance until further evaluation. During this time, a retired High Court or District Judge may be appointed as the managing trustee, ensuring that temple administration remains impartial.

The justices further directed that “the daily rituals of the temple would be continued by the ‘goswamis’ as before.” The committee, meanwhile, would include representatives from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for cultural preservation, and local administration officials like the District Collector, to ensure comprehensive development of the heritage site.

The Uttar Pradesh government has been asked to file a response to these proposals by 10:30 AM on August 5, when the matter is scheduled to resume.

According to the 2025 UP Ordinance, the state envisions the formation of a statutory trust titled “Shri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir Nyas.” This trust will oversee both the temple’s administration and the facilities available to devotees. The structure includes seven ex-officio members and eleven nominated trustees, with a specific condition that all must be followers of Sanatan Dharma, whether they belong to governmental or non-governmental institutions.