SC declines plea on VIP darshan at Mahakal temple, defers to temple authorities
SC declines plea on VIP darshan at Mahakal temple, defers to temple authorities
Supreme Court refuses to weigh in on VIP access to the sanctum, urging temple officials to set entry rules and policies.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday did not entertain a petition challenging the practice of VIP darshan at the Shri Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, noting that the court is not meant to play the role of a gatekeeper on who enters a temple and when. "In the presence of Mahakal, nobody is a VIP," Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said to advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who represented the petitioner. He added, "We cannot decide on VIP darshan. Let those at the helm of affairs decide. We are only about justiciability."
The petitioner had challenged a Madhya Pradesh High Court order that dismissed his petition against the preferential treatment accorded to VIPs for entering the garbh-garh to offer water to the deity, while denying access to the general public. Jain argued that there should be a uniform policy, especially about entering the sanctum sanctorum (garbh-garha). The bench did not decide on the merits, noting that the issue is one of policy decisions to be made by temple authorities and state agencies.
Mr. Jain had contended that the High Court differentiated between citizens, with entry into the sanctum reportedly to be granted on the order of the Collector. The court’s response was to reiterate that the decision lies with those at the helm of affairs. It also observed that temples with limited government intervention in management have shown improvements in services, with donations funding better facilities for pilgrims.
While the ruling is narrow, it underscores a broader debate about entry policies, temple governance, and the balance between religious autonomy and public access. The decision leaves VIP access policies to be determined by temple authorities and local administration, rather than the judiciary.
