Madras High Court Questions VIP Culture in Temples

The Madras High Court has made strong observations against the growing VIP culture in temples, stating that all devotees are equal before God and questioning the justification for preferential treatment based on status or wealth.

Hearing petitions seeking the abolition of VIP and paid darshan systems in temples, a division bench observed that no individual should be treated as more important than others in a place of worship. The court remarked that God alone is supreme and does not wait for politicians, ministers, or influential personalities.

The petitioners argued that Sanatana Dharma teaches equality and does not support discrimination based on social position or financial capability. According to the plea, neither Hindu scriptures nor existing religious traditions provide for special access to deities in exchange for higher payments.

The court expressed concern over situations where ordinary devotees are made to wait in long queues while VIP visitors are given priority access. Such practices, the bench observed, raise questions about fairness and equal treatment.

During the proceedings, the judges noted that providing special darshan facilities for those who pay higher fees could potentially conflict with the constitutional principle of equality. The bench also emphasized that elected representatives and ministers should not consider themselves entitled to privileges inside temples.

The case was filed by P. Chokkalingam, president of a regional unit of the Vishva Hindu Parishad. He argued that paid darshan systems have evolved into a mechanism that places financial barriers between devotees and religious institutions. According to the petition, this practice amounts to exploitation of faith rather than adherence to religious principles.

The matter also touched upon allegations related to a temple in Tamil Nadu where worship schedules were reportedly affected due to the visit of a minister. Government representatives submitted a report before the court and sought additional time to file a detailed response.

While accepting the request, the Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to clarify its stand on VIP culture and paid darshan practices in temples. The court has postponed further hearing in the matter for six weeks.

The observations have sparked wider discussion on whether temple administration should continue offering privileged access to selected groups or move toward a system where every devotee is treated equally regardless of social or economic status.