Supreme Court declines plea against VIP darshan at the Shri Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, drawing a clear line on judicial limits. The court said it cannot regulate temple entry or decide who enters the sanctum. Supreme Court declines plea against VIP darshan and stressed that faith-based practices fall outside judicial control.
A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant heard the petition filed by Darpan Awasthi. The plea challenged the practice of allowing VIPs to enter the garbh-griha for special darshan. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain argued for a uniform entry policy for all devotees.
Chief Justice Kant said, “In the presence of Mahakal, nobody is a VIP.” However, he added that courts cannot manage religious affairs. He explained that authorities responsible for temple administration must take such decisions. The court focuses only on legal questions.
The petitioner also challenged a Madhya Pradesh High Court order that dismissed objections to VIP access. Jain told the court that officials allow entry into the sanctum through administrative orders while restricting common devotees. He claimed this approach created unfair distinctions.
The Chief Justice rejected the argument and cautioned against extending fundamental rights into the sanctum. He said such demands could lead to unlimited claims. “People may then demand to chant mantras as a right to free speech,” he observed. The court later allowed Jain to withdraw the petition and advised him to approach temple authorities.
In a separate hearing, the Bench shared observations on temple management. Chief Justice Kant said temples with limited government intervention often offer better facilities. He pointed to improved accommodation, roads, and healthcare services funded through donations.
These remarks came during a case linked to the Anjaneya temple at Anjanadri Hills in Karnataka. The court noted that management committees usually spend donations for pilgrim welfare. According to the Bench, such models improve service quality and visitor experience.
