Overview
- A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant issued notices to Uttar Pradesh and the Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee, listing the case for the first week of January 2026.
- Temple sevayats petitioned against revised darshan timings and the stoppage of Dehri Pooja, asserting that fixed ritual schedules are essential to religious practice and protected by Articles 25 and 26(b).
- The Chief Justice voiced concern over reports of affluent devotees receiving paid “special pujas” during the deity’s resting period and stressed the need to preserve the sanctity of rest times.
- Monday’s bhog was delayed rather than skipped, with sevayats pointing to unpaid dues for the halwai and the committee attributing the delay to a family medical emergency, reflecting conflicting accounts.
- The High-Powered Committee cited audit-flagged financial irregularities and announced plans to overhaul bhog/prasad distribution to involve devotees and increase transparency while it continues to manage day-to-day operations.