Dehradun, March 13, IPU Media Update News: A significant development has taken place in Uttarakhand just days before the commencement of the Char Dham Yatra. Henceforth, only Hindus will be permitted to enter the renowned pilgrimage sites of Badrinath and Kedarnath. The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has announced that it is imposing a ban on the entry of non-Hindus into these temples. The committee further clarified that this same entry regulation will apply not only to the Badrinath and Kedarnath temples but also to the 47 other temples that fall under its jurisdiction.

In January 2026, the Ganga Sabha of Uttarakhand received numerous demands from devotees urging a ban on the entry of non-Hindus to the ‘Har Ki Pauri’ Ghat. Responding to this, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) installed signboards at various locations within the ‘Har Ki Pauri’ Ghat, explicitly stating that entry is prohibited for non-Hindus. Consequently, this issue became a subject of widespread debate. Subsequently, demands arose insisting that non-Hindus should not be permitted to enter the Char Dham pilgrimage sites either. Against this backdrop, Hemant Dwivedi, Chairman of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, made a pivotal announcement in January of this year, stating that the committee would pass a resolution to ban the entry of non-Hindus into all temples falling under the BKTC’s jurisdiction. During its budget session, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) passed a resolution barring non-Hindus from entering 47 temples under its jurisdiction, including the shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath. This budget session was held on March 10 at the BKTC camp office in Dehradun. Presided over by BKTC Chairman Hemant Dwivedi, the meeting saw the approval of a budget amounting to ₹121.7 crore for the upcoming 2026-27 financial year. Additionally, a decision was taken to prohibit the entry of non-Hindus into the 47 temples falling under the BKTC’s purview—a list that includes the prominent shrines of Badrinath and Kedarnath.

** A Mockery of the Constitution — Asaduddin Owaisi :
AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi responded to this decision, stating that the act of putting up posters in Haridwar to ban the entry of non-Hindus amounts to making a mockery of the Constitution. He opined that this constitutes a direct violation of the right to equality and amounts to practicing untouchability. He further asserted that harboring such an ideology is, in itself, a violation of the law.

** Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind President Arshad Madani :
On the other hand, Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, stated that such restrictions would exacerbate divisions within society. He remarked that such measures run contrary to India’s culture and the spirit of mutual respect.

**All India Imam Organization Chief Imam Dr. Imam Umer Ahmed :
Dr. Imam Umer Ahmed, Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organization, supported the ban on the entry of non-Hindus into temples. He stated that this is a matter pertaining to religion. He asserted that if a temple committee decides that non-Hindus should not enter the temple, no one should raise any objection. He recalled that non-Muslims are not permitted in Mecca and Medina, and no one has ever objected to that. He expressed the view that politics should not be involved in such religious matters.

**What did the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand say -? :
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami responded to the decision taken by the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC). He stated that organizations and committees responsible for managing religious sites would take a decision on this matter only after consulting with the concerned individuals. The Chief Minister noted that all religious and holy sites in the state are managed by various bodies, including the Teerth Sabha, Ganga Sabha, Kedar Sabha, the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, and the Pujya Sant Samaj. Consequently, the CM announced that the government would proceed based on the opinions of the temple committees, these organizations, and the devotees.

**This decision is in accordance with the Constitution :

BKTC President Hemant Dwivedi stated that Kedarnath and Badrinath welcome those who practice the Hindu religion and Sanatana Dharma. However, it was stated that the entry of individuals who do not adhere to Sanatana Dharma has been completely prohibited within the temple premises. It was further asserted that this decision was taken in strict accordance with the Constitution. The view was expressed that Sanatana Dharma and Hindu religious sites serve as the very soul of the nation.

**Char Dham Yatra Begins on April 19 :
The Char Dham Yatra is scheduled to commence on April 19 this year. On that day, the temples of Gangotri and Yamunotri will be opened. The registration process for pilgrims began on March 6. The Government of Uttarakhand is currently making arrangements to provide enhanced amenities for Char Dham pilgrims.

— M Venkata T Reddy, News Editor and Investigative Journalist.