NEW DELHI — The Supreme Court has ruled that all monetary offerings made by devotees at the historic Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan must be deposited directly into the deity’s dedicated account before any disbursements or shares are distributed. The bench underscored that priests, sevayats, or staff associated with the administration cannot retain or intercept donations before they officially reach the temple treasury.
Hearing a petition regarding allegations of donation mismanagement and diversion of temple funds, the apex court directed the supervisory management committee to establish a transparent, accountable framework to monitor and record all incoming offerings. Under the newly mandated protocol, contributions from worshippers must strictly be routed through designated collection boxes (hundi) on the temple premises or completed via verified digital payment gateways.
Addressing customary revenue-sharing arrangements, the court clarified that lawful entitlements or remuneration for temple duties can only be disbursed after the initial offerings have been accounted for in the deity’s treasury. The bench noted that any obstruction by sevayats or associated individuals against the transparent accounting mechanism will be viewed seriously and invite strict judicial action.
