In a move that could reshape the administration of Hindu religious institutions, the Akhil Bhartiya Mandir Parishad (ABMP) has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) before the Supreme Court of India. The plea seeks the constitution of an All-India Management Committee to oversee the governance, finances, and upkeep of temples across the country.
Filed through advocate Rakesh Dahiya, the petition alleges that Hindu temples, irrespective of whether they are managed by the Centre, state governments, or private trusts, are “severely plagued by mismanagement, maladministration of funds, and poor upkeep.” It further adds that such negligence undermines “the sanctity and proper functioning” of sacred institutions and deeply hurts the sentiments of millions of Hindu devotees.
The case has been listed for hearing before a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justices K. Vinod Chandran and Atul S. Chandurkar on September 8, 2025.
Constitutional basis of the plea
The Akhil Bhartiya Mandir Parishad has invoked Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution of India, which guarantee the right to freedom of religion and the right of religious denominations to manage their own affairs.
The plea argues that it is the constitutional obligation of the state to ensure that the religious sentiments of Hindus are not infringed upon, “whether by the state or by individuals from other religious groups.” The petitioner maintains that existing statutory frameworks have “failed miserably in managing and maintaining our temples,” leaving them vulnerable to corruption, poor governance, and inadequate facilities for devotees.
Key demands of the petition
The PIL calls for the creation of an All-India Management Committee with a broad mandate. According to the petition, the proposed body should:
1. Oversee the administration and finances of all temples, ensuring transparent handling of donations and funds.
2. Preserve sanctity and religious traditions, ensuring that temple practices are conducted in accordance with Hindu ethos.
3. Guarantee devotee welfare, ensuring that all visitors, irrespective of their social or economic status, can access temple facilities without discrimination.
4. Introduce transparency and accountability, preventing financial irregularities and negligence.
5. Strengthen safety protocols, ensuring tragedies like stampedes and fire incidents are not repeated.
The petition highlights that the committee’s ultimate aim should be to deliver a hassle-free and spiritually fulfilling experience for every devotee.
Mahakaleshwar temple controversy
As part of its argument, the Parishad has cited recent controversies to demonstrate how mismanagement has affected devotees.
One of the key examples mentioned is the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain. On October 3, 2023, the Akhil Bhartiya Mandir Parishad issued a legal notice to the temple’s management committee after discovering that it was allegedly charging hefty amounts from devotees for darshan and aarti.
According to the petition, these charges effectively restricted access for economically weaker devotees, turning spiritual practices into privileges available only to the affluent. The Parishad contends that such practices go against the very spirit of Hinduism, which emphasises inclusivity and universal devotion.
Past tragedies cited as evidence
The PIL also refers to past tragedies and controversies that, according to the Parishad, expose the “gross negligence” of temple committees and state authorities:
1. 2022 Vaishno Devi Stampede: The New Year’s Day stampede at the Vaishno Devi shrine, which claimed 12 lives and injured over a dozen devotees, has been highlighted as a glaring example of poor crowd management.
2. Ujjain Mahakaleshwar Fire Incident: A fire during Holi celebrations at the temple caused significant damage and endangered devotees, once again pointing to the lack of adequate safety measures.
3. Tirupati Laddu Controversy: The petition also cited the much-debated issue over the supply and pricing of the famous Tirupati laddus, alleging it was an instance of maladministration by the state government, ultimately infringing upon the sentiments of pilgrims.
These incidents, the Parishad claims, are not isolated but part of a larger pattern of negligence, commercialisation, and corruption that plagues temple management in India.
Call for central oversight
The Parishad argues that the establishment of a centralised committee will ensure uniform standards of governance across all temples, irrespective of whether they are managed by state governments, private committees, or trusts.
According to the plea, such a body would not interfere with religious practices but would focus on financial transparency, safety, infrastructure, and devotee services. The petition stresses that this approach would “provide much-needed relief to temples and ensure their governance is consistent with the ethos of Hinduism, free from external interference, and protected from mismanagement.”
The case raises significant constitutional and cultural questions. Should temples, many of which are currently under state control, be centrally managed? Would such oversight enhance transparency, or would it lead to excessive bureaucratisation?
Notably, this PIL could reignite the longstanding debate around the state’s role in managing Hindu temples, a matter that has been contested for decades. In several states, temple revenues are managed by government-appointed boards, often leading to accusations of political interference and diversion of funds for non-religious purposes.
Devotee sentiments
For millions of Hindus, temples are not merely places of worship but cultural, spiritual, and social hubs. The Parishad’s petition stresses that “the welfare of temples is directly linked with the welfare of the Hindu community.”
By demanding a nationwide committee, the Parishad seeks to reassure devotees that their contributions, whether monetary or in kind, will be used for the upkeep of temples, welfare of priests, and the comfort of pilgrims, rather than being misused or misallocated.
What happens next
The PIL has been admitted, and the matter will come up for hearing on September 8, 2025. The outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for temple governance in India.
If the Supreme Court directs the creation of an All-India Management Committee, it could bring sweeping changes to the way temples are administered, potentially impacting thousands of institutions from Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh to Jagannath Puri in Odisha, from Kashi Vishwanath in Uttar Pradesh to Meenakshi Temple in Tamil Nadu.
On the other hand, the move may face resistance from state governments and private temple trusts, who may argue that such centralisation infringes upon their autonomy.
The Akhil Bhartiya Mandir Parishad’s petition is not just a legal case, it represents a wider debate about the future of temple governance in India. By citing constitutional rights, past tragedies, and ongoing controversies, the Parishad has sought to push the Supreme Court into taking a decisive stand on ensuring transparency, safety, and sanctity in Hindu temples.
As the case comes up for hearing, all eyes will be on the apex court to see whether it paves the way for a historic reform in the management of temples, balancing faith, tradition, and modern accountability.
