New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the practice of charging an additional fee for "VIP darshan" and granting preferential treatment to certain devotees in temples.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar observed that the issue was best left to society and temple management, emphasizing that the court could not issue directives in this regard.
"While we may hold the view that no special treatment should be accorded, this court cannot issue directions. We do not find this to be a fit case for jurisdiction under Article 32 of the Constitution," the bench stated. However, it clarified that the dismissal of the petition would not prevent the appropriate authorities from taking necessary action if required.
Petitioner Challenges Discriminatory Practice
The petition, filed by Vijay Kishor Goswami, a 'sevait' at Shri Radha Madan Mohan Temple in Vrindavan, argued that the VIP darshan system violates the constitutional principles of equality under Articles 14 and 21.
Representing the petitioner, Advocate Akash Vashishtha contended that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was necessary to regulate the practice, particularly in major pilgrimage sites such as the 12 Jyotirlingas, where VIP access fees are allegedly arbitrary.
The plea highlighted concerns over special darshan charges ranging from ₹400 to ₹500, asserting that such fees create disparities between affluent devotees and those who cannot afford them, including women, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens.
Despite representations to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the petition noted that only Andhra Pradesh had received directives, while other states, including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, remained unaddressed.
Petition’s Key Demands
The petition sought:
- A declaration that VIP darshan fees violate constitutional rights to equality and religious freedom.
- Equal treatment for all devotees in temple premises, ensuring that economic status does not dictate access to religious spaces.
- The establishment of a National Temple Board to oversee temple administration and formulate SOPs for equitable access nationwide.
With the Supreme Court declining to intervene, the issue now rests with temple authorities and legislative bodies, leaving room for future policy interventions.
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