The Supreme Court refused to hear a petition challenging the 'VIP' darshan facility in temples in India.
At the same time, the court also refused to issue any direction under Article 32, but said that getting such 'special facility' in temples is arbitrary. Apart from this, the court told the state governments that appropriate action should be taken on this issue if necessary.
What did the bench say?
In fact, during the hearing of a writ petition seeking the abolition of VIP darshan fee levied by temples across the country, the bench of CJI Sanjeev Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, the counsel for the petitioner stressed the need for the states to bring some kind of 'standard operating procedure' for availing darshan in famous temples. He said that giving special facilities to some people is arbitrary and a violation of the principle of equality. Stampede incidents also occur due to the lack of any SOP.
What was the argument given?
He argued that today 12 Jyotirlingas, all Shaktipeeths are following such a practice, it is completely arbitrary. Let the state formulate some kind of SOP. Please make specific prayers regarding the specific issue, he said. However, the bench agreed that special treatment for darshan is arbitrary. The court cannot issue directions under Article 32. It is a policy matter for the consideration of the government.
What else did the Supreme Court say?
The apex court said that we believe that there should be no special treatment with regard to entry into temples, but we do not think that this is a fit case to exercise jurisdiction under Article 32.
The petition said that the practice of providing special or quick 'darshan' in temples under an additional 'VIP' darshan fee is violative of the principle of Articles 14 and 21, as it discriminates against devotees who cannot afford such expenses. Charging an additional fee of up to Rs 400-500 in the temple lacks consideration for ordinary devotees who face many physical and financial constraints.
Covid-19 in India: 2 people died in two days in the country; Active patients increased rapidly in these states including Maharashtra
Corona cases have started increasing once again in the country. After Kerala, Karnataka, there is a continuous increase in Covid cases in Maharashtra. Even cases of death have been reported in many
SRH vs GT: Shubman praised Siraj, and called bowlers game changers; Cummins raised questions on Hyderabad pitch
Gujarat Titans defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by seven wickets in the 19th match of IPL 2025. After Mohammad Siraj's lethal bowling, Gujarat's team managed to win with the brilliant innings of captain
PBKS vs MI: 'It's not what we wanted...', Hardik Pandya's heart broke after being out of top-2; blamed these people for the defeat
After the 7-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya spoke openly about his team's performance in the post-match presentation. He vented his anger on his players, giving the
'Terrorists are Muslims...', Aamir Khan gave a big statement on the Pahalgam attack, and told the reason for his silence.
On 22 April 2025, there was a terrorist attack in Pahalgam in which about 26 people were killed. According to reports, the terrorists killed the victims after asking about their religion. This
Salman Khan Sikandar: Censor scissors used on Salman's 'Sikandar', got U/A certificate, know the details of run time
Everyone is eagerly waiting for the release of Salman Khan and Rashmika Mandanna starrer film Sikandar. Some words have been asked to be removed from this film, along with this the run time of the
Waqf Law: The Supreme Court will hear the Waqf law today too, The country's eyes are fixed on the interim order
The Supreme Court may stay some provisions of the Waqf Amendment Act, of 2025. The court said that it is thinking of issuing an interim order not to denotify the properties declared as Waqf based on
'India will be drug-free by 2047', Home Minister Shah said- 'We will leave no stone unturned in punishing smugglers'
Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that the Modi government is leaving no stone unturned to punish those drug smugglers who are pushing the youth into the dark pit of drugs for the greed of
The boycott of Turkey and Azerbaijan is gaining momentum in India, and 30 percent of Indian tourists have cancelled their bookings.
The campaign to boycott Turkey and Azerbaijan for supporting Pakistan during Operation Sindoor is gaining momentum. This is not only affecting tourism but also the flight and business sectors.
One Nation One Election: 'One country one election is not undemocratic', Law Ministry listed the benefits of simultaneous elections to the joint committee
The Union Law Ministry has praised the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill. The ministry has told the Joint Committee of Parliament considering 'One Nation-One Election' that holding simultaneous
Mahakumbh Fire: A Fire broke out in Sector 18, The fire department team brought it under control, and administrative officials were present at the spot
A fire broke out in Sector 18 of Mahakumbh Nagar in Prayagraj. As soon as the information was received, the fire brigade vehicles and officials immediately started extinguishing the fire. This fire
