Fri Jan 31 08:49:15 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court Rejects Plea to End VIP Darshan at Temples

**New Delhi, January 31, 2025** – The Supreme Court today dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the practice of charging extra fees for VIP darshan (privileged viewing) at temples across India. The court ruled that it is up to temple management and society to decide this issue, and the judiciary cannot intervene.

The PIL, filed by Vijay Kishor Goswami, a ‘sevait’ (temple servant) at Shri Radha Madan Mohan Temple in Vrindavan, argued that charging additional fees for expedited access to deities violated Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality and the right to life. The petitioner highlighted that fees ranging from ₹400 to ₹500 created a disparity between affluent and less fortunate devotees, disproportionately affecting women, the disabled, and senior citizens.

While acknowledging societal concerns about preferential treatment, the Supreme Court bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, stated that the court lacked the jurisdiction to issue directions on this matter under Article 32 of the Constitution. They clarified, however, that this dismissal does not prevent relevant authorities from taking appropriate action.

The PIL also pointed to a lack of uniform policy, noting that despite representations to the Home Ministry, only Andhra Pradesh received a directive regarding VIP darshan fees, leaving states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh unaffected. The petitioner sought a nationwide standard operating procedure for temple access and even the establishment of a national board to oversee temple management. The Supreme Court ultimately rejected these requests.

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