'Why Do We Need VIP Darshan? All Are Equal Before God': Madras High Court Orally Remarks In Plea Against Special Darshan In Temples

The bench of Justice GR Swaminathan and Justice V Lakhminarayanan was hearing a plea seeking to abolish VIP darshan and special darshans in temples, with exception for senior citizens, differently abled, artists for temple att, newly married couples, heads of State and constitutional authorities, pregnant women etc.

The court had previously enquired whether the closure timing of Thiruparankunadran Subramaniaswamy temple was delayed on May 15 for darshan by a Minister. Today, Additional Advocate General PV Balasubramaniam said that the timing was not delayed and submitted a report regarding the same.

The AAG also sought time to file a counter. Accepting the request, the court adjourned the hearing by 6 weeks.

"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 court orally remarked.

The plea has been filed by P Chockalingam, current president of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, North Tamil Nadu unit. Chockalingam states that he is an interested person in the temple and would fall within the definition under Section 6(15)(b) of the HR&CE Act.

In his plea, Chockalingam states that the Sanatana Dharma does not discriminate based upon caste or material wealth. He states that the Sanatana Dharma teaches that all are equal and there should not be any discrimination between the rich and the poor.

He stated that neither the HR &CE Act nor any Hindu scriptures provided for special darshan by paying an extra amount. He thus argued that the HR & CE department was fixing exorbitant amounts for special darshan and exploiting the devotees.

“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 petitioner also argued that the provision of special darshan was introduced after the Dravidian parties came into power and the same was against Articles 14, 19, 21, and 25 of the Constitution.

He argued that though the department claims that such an amount is being collected for better management or the temple, the practice was against the Sanatana Dharma. He thus alleged that the Department, through the temples under its control was practicing discrimination which was against the Constitution.

He thus sought to abolish such practices. He also sought direction to all temples under the control of HR & CE Department to have a wheel chair in each and every temple for senior citizens and pass other appropriate orders.

Counsel for Petitioner: Mr B Jagannath

Counsel for Respondent: Additional Advocate General PV Balasubramaniam

Case Title: P Chockalingam v. The Additional Secretary To Government

Case No: WP 20081 of 2026