Protests for BTA Repeal: Buddhist monks under the All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF) are protesting at the Mahabodhi Temple demanding the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949. The Act establishes a management committee for the temple with equal Hindu and Buddhist representation.
Grievance: Buddhist bodies want full control over the Mahabodhi Temple (Mahavihara).
BTA Provisions: The BTA created an eight-member management committee with equal representation from Hindus and Buddhists. The district magistrate, traditionally a Hindu, is the ex-officio chairperson, leading to a perceived Hindu majority in the committee.
Historical Context: Emperor Ashoka built the Mahabodhi Temple in the 3rd century BCE. It remained a Buddhist site until the 13th century, when Buddhism declined. In 1590, a Hindu monk established a mutt, bringing the temple under Hindu control. The BTA (1949) aimed to resolve the dispute between Buddhist and Hindu heads but the fact that the DM was an ex-officio chairman and traditionally from the Hindu community was a source of contention.
Past Protests: Protests and memorandums have been submitted in the past, including a Supreme Court writ petition in 2012 that is yet to be heard.
