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.
The person who fired at Salman Khan's house did not get bail. The special court rejected the plea.
Fans are very crazy about Salman Khan. Bhaijaan's fans pray for the actor's safety every moment.
On the petitions filed regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar,
26-year-old Test captain Shubman Gill is likely to be appointed captain of the Indian team for th
A new revelation has been made in the case of the murder of a level female tennis player, Radhika
'PM Modi's promise will now be fulfilled...', what else did Home Minister Amit Shah say on GST 2.0?
The new GST tax slab has come into effect today, making many everyday items cheaper. Union Home M
Ranveer Allahabadia Case The Supreme Court will hear Ranveer Allahabadia's petition against the F
In the second semi-final of the Women's ODI World Cup 2025, the Indian women's cricket team playe
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren shared an emotional post on the demise of his father and Jh
On Tuesday, the final match of IPL was played between PBKS i.e. Punjab Kings and RCB i.e. Royal C
Controversy has started over the sacrifice of goats on Bakrid. Hindu religious organizations are
