The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) petition seeking directions against the rising practice of allowing preferential visits to 'VIPs' in temples across India [Vijay Kishor Goswami v. Union Of India]..The Bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar said though it was also of the opinion that such preferential treatment should not be given, the Court cannot issue directions on the issue."We will not entertain. While [we] maybe of the opinion that no special preference should be given, this court cannot issue directions under Article 32," the Court said. .However, it clarified that the concerned authorities would not stand not precluded from taking any steps on the issue..The petition before the Court questioned the practice of VIP and paid darshans at the religious places. Pertinently, the counsel representing the petitioner also referred to the stampedes at such places."Preferential entries are being given and this also created stampedes. Constitution imposed duty on States to remove inequality," it was submitted.However, the Court declined to entertain the plea..Pertinently, the case was heard at a time when stampedes have taken place in Uttar Pradesh during the ongoing Maha Kumbh. Following the recent fatalities, the Uttar Pradesh government has cancelled all the VVIP passes.On a related note, the Kerala High Court recently criticised the Travancore Devaswom Board for allowing such VIP darshan to Malayalam actor Dileep at the Sabarimala temple, after it was informed that such preferential treatment obstructed other pilgrims.
