New Delhi, June 30 -- The Supreme Court on Monday rejected a petition seeking a direction to the Centre and the Bihar government to hand over the control and management of the historic Mahabodhi Mahavira Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, to the Buddhist community.

A vacation bench of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice K Vinod Chandran granted the petitioner liberty to approach the Patna High Court.

The bench said the plea filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, directly before the Supreme Court, was not maintainable.

"How will we do it? This is not maintainable under Article 32. How can we issue a mandamus? Please approach the High Court," said the bench during the hearing.

"We do not entertain this. Dismissed. Liberty granted to approach ...