No Willful Disobedience Found; High-Powered Committee's Actions in Compliance with Supreme Court Directives
The Allahabad High Court, in a significant ruling, has dismissed the contempt application filed against the High-Powered Temple Management Committee overseeing the Shri Thakur Banke Bihari Ji Temple in Vrindavan, Mathura. The application alleged that the committee, constituted by the Supreme Court, disobeyed an earlier High Court order by increasing the darshan time for pilgrims. However, Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal found no evidence of willful disobedience, emphasizing that the committee acted within its authority as granted by the Supreme Court to manage temple affairs.
The contempt application, filed by Gaurav Goswami, challenged the committee's decision to increase the darshan time, arguing it contradicted a High Court order dated November 28, 2022, which had stayed an earlier directive from the Civil Judge (Junior Division), Mathura. The petitioner claimed that the committee's actions disrupted the daily routine of the deity and overstepped judicial orders.
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal noted that the Supreme Court had constituted the High-Powered Temple Management Committee on August 8, 2025, to resolve administrative deadlock and improve amenities for pilgrims. The committee, headed by Justice Ashok Kumar (Retd.), was empowered to oversee the temple's day-to-day operations, including managing crowd control and enhancing essential amenities.
During the proceedings, the court considered whether the committee's resolution to increase darshan time violated the High Court's previous order. Justice Agarwal concluded that the committee's actions were aligned with the Supreme Court's guidelines, which emphasized the need to address the temple's operational challenges and cater to the influx of pilgrims. The decision to increase darshan time was deemed necessary to alleviate pressure and enhance the pilgrimage experience.
The court highlighted that the Apex Court had directed the committee to manage various issues, including sanitation, seating, safety protocols, and crowd movement. The committee's resolution to extend darshan hours was part of its mandate to ensure smooth temple functioning and improve pilgrim amenities.
In his judgment, Justice Agarwal referenced several Supreme Court cases, including State of Karnataka v. C Lalitha, emphasizing the necessity of interpreting judicial orders in light of their intended purpose and the overarching legal context. The court found no contemptuous intent in the committee's actions and underscored its compliance with Supreme Court directives.
The ruling reinforces the judicial support for the Supreme Court's initiative to establish a comprehensive management framework for the temple, addressing administrative challenges and ensuring the welfare of pilgrims. The dismissal of the contempt application marks a critical step in the ongoing efforts to enhance temple management and uphold judicial directives.
The contempt application, filed under Section 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, stands dismissed, affirming the committee's authority to implement necessary changes for the temple's efficient functioning.
Bottom Line:
Contempt application dismissed as no willful disobedience of court order was found; High-Powered Temple Management Committee acted within the scope of directives issued by the Supreme Court to oversee and supervise the day-to-day functioning of Shri Thakur Banke Bihari Ji Temple.
Statutory provision(s): Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 Section 12
Gaurav Goswami v. Mr. Justice Ashok Kumar (Rtd.), (Allahabad) : Law Finder Doc id # 2848486
