INTRODUCTION-
India, a country rich in culture, heritage, and a vast tapestry of historical pilgrimages, traditions, and customs, is known throughout the world for its religious and cultural diversity, as well as for the famous phrase ‘Unity in Diversity.’ Ranked 39th globally according to the recent Travel and Tourism Index by World Economic Forum[1], ranked 1st in the South Asian Tourism and Development Index globally[2] Ranked 6th in Lonely Planet’s Top 10 countries and having 43 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, India attracts a large number of tourists every year from every corner of the world.
These temples may be a historical and monumental site for tourists, but for locals, they hold centuries-old ancestral feelings of religious love and faith, passed down from generation to generation. When the religious and cultural sentiments of these people—who value these beliefs above their health and wellbeing, standing in long queues outside temple premises for hours just to catch a glimpse of their deity—are challenged based on economic or social background, it becomes a grave issue.
RECENT CONTROVERSY RELATED TO VIP DARSHAN –
The Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal in Mumbai is one of the most popular destinations for Lord Ganesha devotees from all over the world, drawing nearly 1.5 million visitors during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The celebrations take place in September, but the preparations for this famous festival in Maharashtra begin well before the actual celebrations commence. Donations, willingly given, are collected from all over the world in the name of providing top-notch facilities and comfort for every devotee who comes to seek the darshan of “Bappa” during the celebrations. However, these maintenance efforts have proved futile in managing the large crowds of devotees gathered in the lanes outside the pandal’s premises, where devotees stand in long queues.[3]
There was more than one lane. A separate lane existed for so-called VIPs, whose families or distant relatives mayhaps paid an amount or donated to the Mandal’s trust fund, and are given special treatment—or rather, ‘privileges’—allowing them to spend significantly more time in front of the deity. In contrast, ordinary devotees struggled to even touch the feet of Bappa due to the rush, compounded by the poor management of the staff. A viral video of the festival depicted normal devotees being physically restrained, pushed, and manhandled by the Mandal staff, while VIPs were afforded special privileges, including posing for pictures and spending extended periods in front of the idol.[4]
The issue gained significant traction when many social media influencers criticised the system, calling it “unequal treatment” and “bhed-bhav” (discrimination). The backlash not only highlighted the frustration of ordinary devotees but also raised questions about the role of temple management in perpetuating such disparities. The people depicted the incident by the tagline “Two Indias” showcasing their extreme disappointment with the system.[5]
The same was seen in Vaikuntha Ekadasi Festival in Tirupati Balaji Temple held in January where lakhs of devotees gather to get the blessing of Lord Vishnu in Venketeshwara form. This year, ordinary devotees had to stand in long queues to get free tickets which were given at 8 centres throughout Tirumala. The overpopulation and lack of proper management facilities caused a tragic stampede resulting in the death of 6 people and about 40 people were injured.[6] In stark contrast, affluent individuals, along with MPs, MLAs, and MLCs, faced no such difficulties, as they gained access through VIP Break and Special Entry passes.[7]
In a country where “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” (the equality of all religions) is a constitutional ethos, the VIP culture in religious spaces appears to contradict the principles of equality and non-discrimination. In many temples and religious places, money is collected in the name of donations by temple trusts to provide VIP darshan. However, there is no proper law governing how these donations are used by temple authorities. Moreover, if the money has been willingly donated by devotees out of their religious and cultural sentiments, there is no justification for providing preferential treatment—unless the donations were explicitly tied to promises of VIP darshan.
LEGAL PURVIEW OF VIP DARSHAN–
Under Article 26 of the constitution of India, every religious denomination has the right to manage its affairs in matters of religion. This prevents any foreign interference in the economic and financial scope of the denominations and allows free decision-making in matters of religious importance. The question then arises—can religious places, by Article 26,[8] Create a distinction between devotees based on status or donations? Such independence is limited to the purview of the laws and rules established. This right is not absolute and is subject to public order, morality, and health, as well as other Fundamental Rights, and any other right which violates the fundamental rights becomes null and void. While religious institutions have autonomy over their internal matters, once they open their doors to the public, they must ensure that the basic principles of equality and non-discrimination are followed. Thus, VIP darshans are not included within the scope and purview of Article 26.
Such VIP darshans based on economic backgrounds where money is taken in exchange for giving special privileges and prolonged time with the deity is prima facie violative of Article 14 of the constitution of India which states that no individual should be discriminated against by the State on arbitrary grounds, including religion.[9] Some people get special privileges based on a VIP fee paid by them and some people getting pushed and mistreated is unequal treatment on economic grounds and violative of the fundamental right to Equality.
In the case of Seetharamam M v. The Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Nungambakkam & Ors.[10] Where the Madras High Court strongly worded the order “God alone is VIP. [11] If any VIP causes any inconvenience to the public devotees, then such VIP is committing religious sin, which will not be forgiven by God.” The court also said that the special entry passes or other passes issued by the temple administration shall not be allowed to be misused by any person including temple employees, police personnel who all are deployed inside the temple, and other Government department employees, etc., and in the event of any such misuse, the Joint Commissioner may initiate all appropriate actions.
CONCLUSION AND POSSIBLE LEGAL REFORMS –
A major aspect of VIP darshan is tied to donations, where temples often offer faster access in exchange for financial contributions. Some argue that this is akin to a paid service, and as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others, it should be allowed. However, this turns religious devotion into a commercial transaction, violating the spirit of worship that is meant to be equal and inclusive. The perception that wealth or status can buy access to God is troubling for many, especially in a country where devotion transcends socioeconomic barriers.
The government could introduce regulations that include specific provisions to prohibit preferential treatment unless it is for reasons of safety, health, or order. Moreover, courts can continue to play a crucial role in interpreting constitutional provisions related to religious freedom and equality. In a country known around the world for its diverse religious and cultural roots such discrimination against some devotees for just being poor is legally and morally wrong and law in this regard has become a necessity.
Author(s) Name: Ravi Shanker Bhatt (Assam University)
References:
[1] Sunil Kumar Tiwari, ‘INDIA’S RANKING IN TRAVEL AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT’ (PIB Delhi, 01 August 2024) < https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2040132 > assessed 6 January. 2025
[2] Travel, Outlook, “India Tops In South Asia Travel And Tourism Development Index But Drops to 54th Place Globally” (Outlook, 25 May, 2022) < https://www.outlookindia.com/travel/india-tops-in-south-asia-travel-and-tourism-development-index-but-drops-to-54th-place-globally-news-198459 > assessed 5 January, 2024
[3] Barua, A. “Indian billionaire exposes VIP culture at Lalbaugcha Raja with video of “unequal treatment.” (PTC News, 13 September, 2024). <https://www.ptcnews.tv/nation/indian-billionaire-exposes-vip-culture-at-lalbaugcha-raja-with-video-of-unequal-treatment-4397739> assessed 10th Jan 2025
[4] NDTV News Desk, “Viral Video From Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja Sparks VIP Culture Debate” (NDTV, 13 Sep 2024) < https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/viral-video-from-mumbai-s-lalbaugcha-raja-sparks-vip-culture-debate-6557353 > assessed 10th Jan 2025
[5] Trisha Sengupta, “Two Indias”: One family calmly poses before the Lalbaugcha Raja idol as other devotees are rushed along video. (Hindustan Times, 13 September, 2024). <https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/two-indias-one-family-calmly-poses-before-lalbaugcha-raja-idol-as-other-devotees-are-rushed-along-video-101726217307705.html >assessed 10th Jan, 2025
[6] Business Today Desk, “ Tirupati stampede: 6 dead, 40 injured as devotees rush to get tickets for Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam” (Business Today, 9th January 2025) < https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/tirupati-stampede-6-dead-40-injured-as-devotees-rush-to-get-tickets-for-vaikunta-dwara-darshanam-460093-2025-01-09 > assessed 10th January 2025
[7] Newsmeter Network, “Tirupati: Every Telangana MLA, MP & MLC can recommend for VIP Darshan” (Newsmeter 31 December 2024) < https://newsmeter.in/top-stories/tirupati-every-telangana-mla-mp-mlc-can-recommend-for-vip-darshan-herearedetails-741504 > assessed 10th Jan 2025
[8] Article 26 of the Indian Constitution
[9] Article 14 of the Constitution Of India
[10] Seetharamam M v. The Commissioner, HR & CE Department, Nungambakkam & Ors. ; W.P.(MD) No.1700 of 2022
[11] James, S, “God alone is VIP, can’t allow discrimination between VIP’s & other devotees”: Madras High Court orders to regulate “special darshan.” (Live Law, (2022, March 23) < https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/madras-high-court-vip-special-darshan-shouldnt-affect-public-darshan-no-discrimination-among-devotees-194839 > assessed 10th Jan, 2024>
