"God alone is VIP" - Madras High court orders to regulate 'Special Darshan'

Madurai High Court judge has raised a number of questions regarding the practice of special darshan in temples.

VIP Row

Generally not only in Tamil Nadu temples but also in other states, special darshan service is available. Many devotees are interested in paying extra and seeing Swami at the earliest. But social activists say there are problems with the practice. In this context, the Madurai High Court branch has raised various questions regarding the granting of special darshan in temples.

Case

Yesterday, a case related to the regulation of devotees at the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple at Tiruchendur in Tuticorin district, was heard by Judge S M Subramaniam. The judge commented, "If any VIP causes any inconvenience to the public devotees, then such a VIP is committing religious sin, which will not be forgiven by the God."

The judge said temple officials should be treated like fellow civilians, adding that temple commanders could be allowed 10 minutes of special darshan.

"God alone is VIP. Thus, it is made clear that the public servants, from various government departments, who all are not falling under the category of VIP, or any other person, devotees or donors shall not be allowed to have special darshan by creating a separate queue system or along with VIP in the temple," he said.

Hygiene

The judge also ordered that dustbins be set up inside the temple and that the interior and exterior of the temple must be kept clean.

Additional police

The judge also ordered that "the Thoothukudi Superintendent of Police should deploy 40 Armed Policemen at the temple. The number of policemen might be increased from time to time depending on the circumstances."

The judge ordered that a report be submitted on the implementation of the court order and that the case be heard on April 15.