New Delhi: The Madras High Court has expressed concern over the practice of VIP darshan in temples under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. A division bench observed that all devotees are equal before God and questioned the need for special entry privileges for ministers and other dignitaries.
During the hearing, the bench orally remarked that no public office holder should assume priority access to temples. The court questioned the logic behind allowing VIP entry, stating that it could inconvenience ordinary devotees waiting in long queues for worship.
The state government defended the practice, arguing that VIP darshan helps manage crowd flow and decongest queues inside temples. The Additional Advocate General also submitted that the system contributes significant revenue to temple administration, which is used for maintenance and services.
The court also reviewed allegations related to alleged preferential treatment during a recent visit by a state minister to the Subramaniya Swamy temple in Thiruparankundram. The government denied any irregularities and submitted a report seeking more time to file a detailed response.
The petition, filed by a representative of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s North Tamil Nadu unit, argues that special darshan violates principles of equality. It claims that Hindu scriptures and the HR&CE Act do not permit paid or privileged access for worship and that the system amounts to discrimination based on status or wealth.
The plea also seeks directions to ensure equal access for all devotees in temples under HR&CE control. It requests better facilities such as wheelchairs for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. However, it proposes exemptions for specific groups including elderly citizens, pregnant women, differently abled persons, newly married couples, temple artists, and constitutional authorities.
The court has adjourned the matter for six weeks for further submissions.
