Today, On 25th October, The Supreme Court postponed its hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the imposition of ‘VIP entry charges’ in temples across India. Stating that it “needs to examine” the matter in detail, the court emphasized the importance of reviewing the implications of such fees on public access to places of worship. The adjournment allows more time for thorough consideration of this issue affecting religious inclusivity and equal access rights.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court today postponed the hearing of a writ petition challenging the implementation of “VIP Entry Charges” at prominent temples across India.
The petition argues that such fees may violate constitutional rights related to equality, dignity, and religious freedom.
A Bench led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar stated,
“Re-list in the week commencing 9th December 2024.”
At the start of the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel remarked,
“This is a Writ Petition against the imposition of VIP Entry Charges and…”
After some discussion, Justice Khanna noted,
“We will have it on some other day. Let us first examine it. Relist…I just want to check whether this issue has come up earlier, or is it in some judgment. Is there any judgment of the High Court also?”
In response, the counsel stated,
“No, there is no High Court judgment. In fact, the Madras High Court addressed this issue but did not delve into whether it is discriminatory or violative of Article 14.”
The Court then requested the counsel to provide a copy of the Madras High Court’s judgment.
The justices explained,
“The reason why we discussed this is that there are certain issues. There are certain writ petitions pending, asserting that there should not be any state interference or court involvement. We will have to examine this.”
As a result, the Court scheduled the matter for hearing in the week commencing December 9.
The PIL, filed through Advocate-on-Record Sarthak Ghonkrokta, argues that charging fees for expedited or preferential darshan of deities discriminates against economically disadvantaged devotees, thus violating Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 21 (Right to Dignity).
The PIL states,
“The practice of charging special entry fees in temples effectively grants VIP status to individuals solely based on their financial contribution. This Writ Petition aims to inform this Hon’ble Court about the severe inconveniences, harassment, and suffering endured daily by millions of devotees, including women, the elderly, and differently-abled citizens, who travel from across the country to seek darshan (view) and offer prayers in these sacred spaces. They are often subjected to long, nearly endless queues, waiting for hours and frequently being deprived of the opportunity to worship,”
As religious tourism continues to grow, the petition warns that unregulated “VIP darshan” practices threaten equality and inclusivity in places of worship, creating a financially discriminatory atmosphere. It urges the Court to enforce uniform access for all devotees in temples nationwide and to eliminate preferential treatment based solely on payment.
The petition emphasizes,
“Not only Hindus but also many Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs visit major temples across the country. The imposition of ‘VIP Entry Charges’ results in both intra-community and inter-community discrimination. With the rise in religious tourism and the free movement of people, imposing ‘VIP Darshan Charges’ and granting privileged treatment to specific groups in temples or other religious sites is a regressive practice that fosters inequality and contradicts the fundamental principles of the Constitution,”
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The petitioner requests the following actions:
- Abolition of VIP Entry Fees: A directive to eliminate all VIP entry charges and associated preferential treatments for wealthier devotees.
- Equal Access to Darshan: An order mandating equal treatment for all devotees, ensuring everyone has the same opportunities for darshan, regardless of financial status.
- Constitutional Review of VIP Fees: A judicial declaration that VIP entry fees violate rights to equality and religious freedom.
- Implementation of SOPs: Development of standardized procedures to ensure regulated, orderly, and fair access at all religious sites.
- Formation of a National Oversight Board: Establishment of a national board to address grievances related to temple management, ensuring transparency and equity.