On February 15, 2026, the Supreme Court of India ordered a 75-year-old monk, Jagannath Giri, to vacate a portion of the historic Babulnath Temple in Mumbai within four years. This ruling comes after the court upheld a previous decision by the Bombay High Court, which had directed the monk's eviction due to ongoing legal disputes over the temple premises.
The dispute centers around a small area on the temple's staircase landing, which Jagannath Giri has occupied since approximately 1968. The court noted that while it is uncommon to grant such an extended eviction period, the monk's advanced age and his commitment to a spiritual life were significant considerations in their decision. The court emphasized that Giri should vacate peacefully and not obstruct the temple's development during this period.
- Historical context of occupancy — The premises were originally let to Baba Ramgiri Maharaj in 1927, with Giri taking over as a tenant after his mentor's death.
- Legal proceedings history — The Small Causes Court ruled for Giri's eviction in 1996, which was upheld by the Bombay High Court in 2025.
- Supreme Court's rationale — The bench noted that Giri's long-term possession does not negate the legal rights of the temple trustees.
The Supreme Court's bench, comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh, stated that they found no grounds to interfere with the well-reasoned findings of the lower courts. They dismissed Giri's appeal, emphasizing the need for adherence to legal protocols concerning temple property rights. The court also mandated that the temple authorities ensure no third parties occupy the space currently used by the monk during the transition.
This ruling is significant as it underscores the balance between religious sentiments and legal entitlements. The temple's trustees have been seeking Giri's eviction for several years, and this decision marks a critical step towards resolving the longstanding legal battle over the Babulnath Temple's premises.
