Allahabad High Court Seeks State’s Reply On Petition Against Demolition Of Banke Bihari Temple Corridor

The Allahabad High Court on Friday directed the Uttar Pradesh government to file its response on a 2023 petition challenging the demolition of mythological and archaeological temples, including Kunj Gali, for the proposed Banke Bihari Temple Corridor project in Vrindavan.

The division bench of Justice Siddharth Verma and Justice Madan Pal Singh postponed the hearing to 3 July, citing that a related matter is currently under consideration by the Supreme Court.

The bench directed the state to file its reply in the meantime.

Petitioner Seeks Protection Of Heritage Temples

Petitioner Pankaj Saraswat argued against the demolition of nearly 50 ancient temples, including places of worship of the Haridas sect such as Thakur Shri Radha Gopal Ji Maharaj Temple, Radha Mohan Temple, and Thakur Shri Dhan Bihari Ji Temple.

He claimed the move violates the Places of Worship Act, 1991, along with Articles 25, 26, and 49 of the Constitution.

He also demanded that any land acquisition should follow the new law with proper consent and not through coercion.

State Defends Corridor Plan

Chief Standing Counsel Kunal Ravi opposed the petition, stating the Supreme Court has already permitted the corridor project and authorised the use of Thakur Banke Bihari temple funds for acquiring land.

He asserted that the government aims to develop basic facilities such as parking, rest houses, and toilets across a five-acre zone around the temple.

Relying on similar grounds, Devendra Nath Goswami and Rasik Raj Goswami have also filed a plea in the Supreme Court seeking a modification of the court’s 15 May 2025 order.

They argue the project risks causing irreparable harm to Vrindavan’s religious and cultural fabric.

For now, the High Court has adjourned the matter and fixed 3 July as the next date of hearing in the Banke Bihari Temple Corridor case.

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