New Delhi, Aug. 25 -- The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed that "every penny" donated at the Shri Bankey Bihari Temple in Vrindavan must first be credited to the deity's funds through designated donation boxes or online payments. The bench stressed that no person associated with the temple can appropriate offerings before they are deposited into the temple treasury.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi remarked that "a priest cannot have a garnishee right on the deity."

Taking a strong view of the allegations of siphoning away of donations, the apex court also directed the temple's managing committee to establish a transparent system for receiving and accounting for donations to prevent malpractices and ensure that all offerings are properly accoun...