New Delhi: The Supreme Court on January 31 refused to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the levying of an additional fee for “VIP darshan” and preferential, selective and special treatment to affluent devotees in temples across the country.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar said that the court cannot pass a direction on the plea and it was for the society and temple management to decide on this.
What did the petitioner submit?
The counsel representing the petitioner argued before the bench that there is a need for some Standard Operating Procedure on the “VIP darshan” as there are 12 Jyotirlingas and other temples. The counsel further said that preferential entries are being given and referred to incidents of stampedes.
What did the apex court say?
“While we may be of the opinion that no special treatment should be given but this court cannot issue directions. We do not think it is a fit case to exercise jurisdiction under Article 32 of the Constitution,” the bench said and added, “However, we clarify that dismissal of the petition will not bar the appropriate authorities from taking appropriate action as required.”
What did the PIL seek?
The PIL, filed by Vijay Kishor Goswami, ‘sevait’ at Shri Radha Madan Mohan Temple in Vrindavan, said that charging fee for the special darshan for the affluent devotees created a divide between the affluent devotees and those unable to afford these charges and this practice violated the principles of equality enshrined in Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India, as it discriminated against devotees unable to afford the said charges.
The PIL sought directions to ensure that all devotees get equal treatment in temple premises and framing of standard operating procedures by the central government to ensure equitable access to temples. It further sought setting up of a national board to oversee the management and administration of temples nationwide.
