Nainital High Court Questions Mahant’s Actions: Married to One, Live-in with Another, Jailed for Harassing Third Woman

Nainital, June 26, 2025 — The Uttarakhand High Court, expressing strong displeasure over recent controversies at Haridwar’s famous Chandi Devi Temple, has ordered that the temple’s management be handed over to the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) until further notice.

🕵️ Case Background:The court passed this order while hearing the anticipatory bail plea of Reena Bisht, an accused in a case related to the alleged theft of temple donations.

During the hearing, the court was informed about a series of disputes and controversies involving former temple Mahant Rohit Giri. Allegations include:

• Living with another woman in a live-in relationship despite being married,

• Fathering a child from that relationship, and

• Currently being in jail over a separate molestation case filed in Punjab.

  
  

🧾 Court’s Remarks:Justice Rakesh Thapliyal, during the hearing, expressed deep anger over the misconduct happening inside the temple premises, stating:"What kind of Mahant is this—married to one, living with another, and jailed over molestation of a third?"

The court emphasized that the sanctity of the temple cannot be compromised and suggested that all individuals involved should be barred from entering the temple premises.

⚖️ Relief for Reena Bisht:After reviewing the facts, the court granted anticipatory bail to Reena Bisht and also directed the administration to ensure her security.

📣 Do you think stricter monitoring is needed in temple management across Uttarakhand? Share your views below.