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

The Supreme Court docket on Monday (June 30) refused to entertain a writ petition in search of handy over the administration of the Mahabodhi Mahavihara at Bodh Gaya, Bihar to Buddhists.

The petitioner additionally challenged the Bodh Gaya Temple Act 1949, as per which the temple is managed by a administration committee consisting of 4 Buddhists, 4 Hindus and one district collector.

A partial working days bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Okay Vinod Chandran dismissed the petition, giving the petitioner liberty to method the Excessive Court docket.

“We’re not inclined to entertain the petition below Article 32, nevertheless the petitioner is at liberty to method the Excessive Court docket,” the bench noticed.

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

By way of the petition, she argued that until the administration of temple below the Bodh Gaya Temple Act is handed over to Buddhists, their basic rights below Articles 25, 26, 29 will likely be violated.

The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, is on the location the place the Buddha is alleged to have attained enlightenment.

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