Donations must go to deity first: Supreme Court to Banke Bihari temple sewayats

The Supreme Court has ruled that all donations to the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan must first go to the deity before being distributed to the temple's managing committee. A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, emphasized that no obstacles should be placed by sevayats or anyone else in the way of devotees accessing the donation boxes or online treasury.

The court directed the temple's committee to implement a transparent mechanism for the temple's treasury. The bench expressed concern over devotees being prevented from accessing donation boxes due to physical obstructions and covered boxes with flowers and materials, leading to money being given to the bhandaris or sevayats. Despite arguments that money collected by bhandaris is for bhog and protected by a civil court decree, Justice Bagchi clarified that donations must first go to the deity, and sevayats can receive their share after.

The committee presented a comprehensive development plan for the temple's infrastructure, but the court questioned where the funds would come from, particularly if negotiations for land acquisition with private parties were ongoing.