‘God Won't Wait For Ministers, Everyone Is Equal’: Madras HC Questions VIP Darshan In Temples
‘God Won't Wait For Ministers, Everyone Is Equal’: Madras HC Questions VIP Darshan In Temples Published By, Last Updated: May 30, 2026, 13:29 IST Questioned
‘God Won't Wait For Ministers, Everyone Is Equal’: Madras HC Questions VIP Darshan In Temples Published By, Last Updated: May 30, 2026, 13:29 IST Questioned the practice, the bench observed that all devotees are equal before God and that special access for ministers and other dignitaries should not inconvenience. Rapid Read During the hearing, Justice G.R. Swaminathan expressed sharp skepticism toward the sense of entitlement often displayed by political figures. (File photo) VIP Darshan row: The Madras High Court on Friday raised concerns over preferential treatment to VIPs in temples, saying that all are equal before God and questioning the necessity of special access for dignitaries. A division bench of Justice GR Swaminathan and Justice V Lakshminarayanan made the oral observations while hearing a petition seeking the abolition of VIP and special darshan facilities in temples administered by the state’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, Livelaw reported.
Questioned the practice of VIP darshan in temples, the bench observed that all devotees are equal before God and that special access for ministers and other dignitaries should not inconvenience common worshippers. “Let not Ministers and MLAs think that they can walk into a temple at anytime and God will be waiting for them. Why do we need VIP darshan? Everyone is equal before God," the High Court orally remarked. Additional Advocate General P V Balasubramaniam submitted that such practice is being followed for decongesting queues and that it also earns considerable income for the temples. On the allegations of delayed closure of the Subramaniya Swamy temple in Thiruparankundram when Minister C T R Nirmal Kumar visited recently, the AAG denied them. The state submitted a report on the issue and sought additional time to file its counter affidavit.
Accepting the request, the court adjourned the matter for six weeks. The petition was filed by P. Chockalingam, president of the North Tamil Nadu unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. He argued that Sanatana Dharma does not permit discrimination based on wealth, social status or caste and that all devotees should be treated equally. According to the plea, neither Hindu scriptures nor the HR&CE Act provide for special darshan in exchange for additional payment. The petitioner alleged that charging devotees for priority access was a practice introduced to generate revenue and amounted to exploitation. The plea further contended that the system of special darshan violates constitutional guarantees of equality and religious freedom. It also sought directions for all temples under the HR&CE Department to provide wheelchairs for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
The petitioner, however, sought exemptions for certain categories, including senior citizens, differently abled persons, pregnant women, newly married couples, artists performing temple duties, heads of state and constitutional authorities. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 30, 2026, 13:28 IST News india ‘God Won't Wait For Ministers, Everyone Is Equal’: Madras HC Questions VIP Darshan In Temples Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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