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.
Chandigarh Police has registered an FIR against singer Masoom Sharma for singing the banned song
The Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate reported that the West Bengal Police have arrested th
'Trump sacrificed India-US relations for business in Pakistan', a big claim by the former NSA
Former US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan has made a sensational allegation against
The Asia Cup 2025 has seen a lot of drama. The India-Pakistan match in particular sparked controv
Mahavatar Narsimha: 'Mahavatar Narsimha' turned out to be the father of the Marvel Universe,
Make a film that leaves a lasting impression on the minds and hearts of the audience. Something s
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) on Thursday warned comedian Kapil Sharma not to call Mumbai 'Bom
US President Donald Trump has imposed a 50 percent tariff on Indian exports. Due to this, the tex
There was heavy rain in many areas of the capital on Sunday night. After this, very light rain oc
For the past few days, there has been a Marathi language controversy in Maharashtra. Many film st
After the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on 22 April, India has tightened its grip on Pakistan and
