Overview

• The Supreme Court has sanctioned a Rs 500 crore development plan for the Banke Bihari Temple Corridor in Vrindavan, overturning a High Court restriction on temple fund usage.
• The Uttar Pradesh government is authorized to use the temple’s fixed deposits to acquire five acres of land for the project, provided the land is registered in the deity’s name.
• The corridor aims to address infrastructure gaps highlighted by the 2022 stampede and improve safety, crowd management, and amenities for pilgrims.
• Approximately 300 temples and residential buildings in the area may face demolition as part of the land acquisition process, raising cultural and community concerns.
• The Mathura civil court has been directed to appoint a Receiver with administrative experience and knowledge of Vaishnav traditions to oversee the project’s implementation.