Allahabad High Court Directs UP Govt To Frame Scheme For Administration Of Lucknow's Ancient Buddheshwar Temple

A Bench of Justice Sangeeta Chandra and Justice Brij Raj Singh passed the order on a writ petition filed by Buddheshwar Mahadev Deity through Pujari Ramu Ji and another, seeking a mandamus to unlock 'Sita Rasoi' and 'Kanwar Bhawan' within the Temple premises.

In their plea, the petitioners alleged that the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) had arbitrarily locked these facilities despite earlier directions of the Court.

Petitioner no.2, who claimed to be the Pujari of the Temple, belonging to a family that had served there for decades, asserted that after the murder of the then Pujari in the year 1999- 2000, the District Administration had taken over the Temple and appointed the SDM as its custodian.

The plea further submitted that in the holy month of Savan, lakhs of devotees from across India gather at the Buddheshwar Mahadev Temple, and the SDM locking these premises obstructed religious and social functions.

They argued that such actions violated their fundamental rights under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, apart from infringing Article 14.

The Standing Counsel, however, denied these claims and submitted that petitioner no.2 is an impostor who could not have been Pujari at the age he claimed. It was also apprised to the bench that the earlier Mahant's disciple, Mahant Leelapuri, was still alive and residing at the Temple.

A categorical submission was also made that after certain local persons started interfering in the management of the Temple, Mahant Leelapuri had written an application to the District Administration, on the basis of which an order was passed by the SDM in July 2000, taking over the management of the Temple.

Importantly, the bench was informed that the 'Sita Rasoi' was only used to store utensils for Bhandara and was under the control of the Area Lekhpal. The 'Kanwar Bhawan', built by the Tourism Department, had been locked due to its alleged misuse for nefarious activities, but Kanwars are allowed to stay there.

On this, the Court observed that specific instructions confirmed that the Temple itself had not been locked, and therefore, there was no obstruction to religious rituals.

Thus, without delving into allegations against the SDM, the Court expressed its prima facie view that since Buddheshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple in which the general public has faith, the State must step in to ensure proper administration.

Accordingly, the Court directed the petitioners to implead the Principal Secretary, Department of Religious Affairs, U.P., as respondent no.4 and asked the Secretary to submit a proposal to the Government by the next date regarding administration of the Temple through officials or members of the public who have faith in Lord Mahadev and are willing to undertake public service.

The Court further directed that the SDM shall submit a report to the District Magistrate, Lucknow, who will, in turn, inform the Secretary, Religious Affairs Department, about the need to frame a scheme for proper management of the Buddheshwar Mahadev Temple.

The matter has now been listed for further hearing on September 23, 2025.