Supreme Court Declines Plea Seeking Handover Of Mahabodhi Mahavihara At Gaya To Buddhists; Allows To Approach HC

The Supreme Court on Monday (June 30) refused to entertain a writ petition seeking to hand over the management of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara at Bodh Gaya, Bihar to Buddhists.

The petitioner also challenged the Bodh Gaya Temple Act 1949, as per which the temple is managed by a management committee consisting of four Buddhists, four Hindus and one district collector.

A partial working days bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice K Vinod Chandran dismissed the petition, giving the petitioner liberty to approach the High Court.

"We are not inclined to entertain the petition under Article 32, however the petitioner is at liberty to approach the High Court," the bench observed.

The plea has been filed by former Minister of state and advocate Sulekha Kumbhare.

Through the petition, she argued that unless the management of temple under the  Bodh Gaya Temple Act is handed over to Buddhists, their fundamental rights under Articles 25, 26, 29 will be violated.

The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is at the location where the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.

Case Details: SULEKHATAI NALINITAI NARAYANRAO KUMBHARE Vs THE UNION OF INDIA| D No. 19102/2025