PoliticsSupreme Court Denies Appeal Against VIP Darshan Fees

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Supreme Court Denies Appeal Against VIP Darshan Fees

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the practice of charging an additional fee for “VIP darshan” and granting “preferential, selective, and special treatment” to certain individuals in temples.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar stated that the matter should be decided by society and temple management, and the court could not intervene.

“While we may hold the view that no special treatment should be given, this court cannot issue directions. We do not find this to be a fit case for exercising jurisdiction under Article 32 of the Constitution. However, we clarify that dismissing the petition does not prevent the appropriate authorities from taking necessary action,” the bench observed.

Advocate Akash Vashishtha, representing the petitioner, argued that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was needed, particularly for the 12 Jyotirlingas, as the practice of VIP darshan was arbitrary.

The petition, filed by Vijay Kishor Goswami, a ‘sevait’ at Shri Radha Madan Mohan Temple in Vrindavan, claimed that the practice violated Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, discriminating against devotees who could not afford the fee.

The plea raised concerns over the additional charges for expedited temple access, noting that fees ranging between ₹400 and ₹500 for special darshan privileges created a divide between wealthy devotees and those unable to afford them, especially women, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens.

Despite representations made to the home ministry, only Andhra Pradesh received a directive, while states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh remained unaddressed.

The petition sought:

  • A declaration that charging an additional fee for VIP darshan violates constitutional rights of equality and religious freedom.
  • Equal treatment for all devotees within temple premises.
  • Framing of SOPs by the Centre to ensure equitable access to temples.
  • Establishment of a national board to oversee temple management and administration across the country.

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