The Madras High Court on Friday (29 May 2026) orally questioned the practice of VIP darshan in temples and observed that all devotees are equal before God, while hearing a petition seeking the abolition of VIP and special darshan facilities in temples across Tamil Nadu.
A division bench comprising Justices GR Swaminathan and V. Lakshminarayanan was hearing a plea that sought to abolish VIP darshan and special darshan schemes in temples, while permitting certain exceptions for senior citizens, differently abled persons, artists engaged in temple art, newly married couples, heads of State and constitutional authorities, pregnant women and other specified categories.
During the hearing, the court also took note of a report filed by the State regarding allegations that the closing time of the Thirupparankundram Subramaniaswamy Temple had been delayed on 15 May 2026 to facilitate darshan for a Minister.
Additional Advocate General P.V. Balasubramaniam informed the court that the temple’s closing time had not been delayed and submitted a report in this regard. He also sought time to file a detailed counter affidavit on behalf of the authorities.
Accepting the request, the bench granted six weeks’ time and adjourned the matter.
While doing so, the court made strong oral observations against preferential access for elected representatives and other VIPs in temples.
“Let not Ministers and MLAs think that they can walk into a temple at any time and God will be waiting for them. Why do we need VIP darshan? Everyone is equal before God,” the court orally remarked.
The petition has been filed by P. Chockalingam, president of the North Tamil Nadu unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). In his plea, Chockalingam stated that he is an interested person in the temple and falls within the definition provided under Section 6(15)(b) of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Act.
According to the petition, Sanatana Dharma does not permit discrimination based on caste, social status or material wealth and teaches that all devotees are equal before God.
The petitioner argued that neither the HR&CE Act nor Hindu religious scriptures provide for special darshan upon payment of an additional fee. He alleged that the HR&CE Department was collecting exorbitant charges for special darshan and exploiting devotees in the process.
“Not one letter can one find in any of the religious scriptures of our great Sanatana Dharma and this is nothing but a new innovation created by the Respondent Department to garner revenue and indulge in exploitation of devotees and fleece them for this purpose in the name of Special Darshan,” the plea states.
The petition further contended that the practice of special darshan was introduced only after Dravidian parties came to power in Tamil Nadu and was contrary to Articles 14, 19, 21 and 25 of the Constitution.
Chockalingam argued that although the department claims that special darshan fees are collected for better temple administration and management, the practice itself violates the principles of Sanatana Dharma. He alleged that the HR&CE Department, through temples under its control, was engaging in discrimination among devotees, contrary to constitutional guarantees.
The petitioner has sought directions abolishing VIP and paid special darshan facilities in temples under the control of the HR&CE Department. He has also sought directions to ensure that every temple under the department’s administration is equipped with a wheelchair facility for senior citizens, along with other appropriate reliefs.
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