PRAYAGRAJ, July 25 -- The Allahabad high court has sought a reply from the state government on whether the government can appoint government officials as trustees of the Bankey Bihari temple, a private temple, by issuance of 'The Uttar Pradesh Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025'. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal, after hearing amicus curiae (friend of the court) Sanjeev Goswami, fixed July 30 as the next date of hearing, in the petition filed by Pranav Goswami and another. According to the amicus curiae, "The temple is a private temple and the religious practice is being carried out by the heirs of the late Swami Hari Das Ji. By the issuance of the ordinance, the government is trying to take control over the temple through the backdoor." The amicus curiae apprised the court that as per ordinance there would be two kinds of trustees of the Board - nominated trustees and ex officio trustees. The nominated trustees will be the sadhus, seers, gurus, scholars, mathadhishes and mahants from the Vaishnav tradition as well as followers of Sanatan Dharma. However, he raised strong objections as to the ex officio trustees who are seven in number and include officials like Mathura DM, Mathura SSP, the Mathura municipal commissioner, which would amount to a backdoor entry by the state government in the private temple. "By creation of such Trust, it amounts to intruding into the Hindu religion by the State Government. The Constitution of India does not provide for the state to practise any religion and take control of any temple," the amicus curiae said. The court, in its order dated July 21, sought the state government's reply and observed, "Matter requires consideration. Hearing to continue. Put up this case as fresh on 30th July, 2025. By that time, the State Government would respond to the argument which has been raised by the Amicus Curiae."...