SC: Paid 'special pujas' disrupt Banke Bihari deity's rest; issues notice

• Supreme Court criticized paid "special pujas" at Banke Bihari Temple, stating they disrupt the deity's rest and exploit the deity.
• A writ petition challenges changes to darshan timings and suspension of traditional rituals like Dehri Puja at the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan.
• The SC issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh government, district authorities, temple management, and the High-Powered Committee.
• The matter is listed for further hearing in the first week of January.
• An SC-appointed High-Powered Committee, led by Justice Ashok Kumar, currently supervises the temple's daily affairs.

Why It Matters: SC scrutinizes paid temple rituals, affecting religious sanctity and devotee fairness.