Overview
- The petition challenges the revised darshan schedule and the stoppage of the Dehri Pooja, asserting that temple timings and rituals are sacrosanct.
- A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant criticized paid “special pujas” during the deity’s resting period, stating the deity should be allowed to rest.
- The court sought responses from the Uttar Pradesh government, district officials and the temple management, with notice returnable on January 7, 2026.
- Petitioners say the new timings disrupt internal rituals linked to the deity’s waking and sleeping, while authorities cite crowd management and safety needs.
- Temple oversight rests with a Supreme Court-appointed High Powered Committee under Justice Ashok Kumar after the state trust panel was suspended pending constitutional review.