Story so far: Proceeding with its plan to manage the Banke Bihari temple, the Banke Bihari Temple Trust Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday (August 13, 2025). The Bill allows the formation of a board of government-appointed trustees, including 11 nominated and seven ex-officio members to 150-year old Krishna temple in Mathura.
The Bill, which replaces the ordinance passed in May, allows formation of a trust called “Shri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir Nyas” to oversee the development of the temple and manage pilgrimage, religious, cultural, spiritual, and administrative aspects of the shrine. However, Sevayat Goswami priests, who currently own and manage the temple, allege that the Bill is an attempt to take over temple finances and control.
