The Supreme Court on Monday refused to entertain a petition seeking directions to hand over the management and control of Bihar’s Mahabodhi Mahavira temple to Buddhists.
The Bench of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice K Vinod Chandran said that the Apex Court could not directly entertain a petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution on the issue.
The top court of the country could not issue a mandamus since the plea was not maintainable under Article 32.
The Bench granted liberty to petitioner Sulekhatai Nalinitai Narayanrao Kumbhare to move the Patna High Court.
The plea sought directions to amend the Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949 and hand over the management of the temple to Buddhists, respecting their faith and religious rights.
Located in Bodh Gaya village of Bihar, the Buddhist temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is currently under the control and management of the Bihar government.
