Andal Chockalingam Vs Commissioner and another – For orders – matter pertaining to abolishment of special Darshan and VViP Darshan. Matter was taken up at 130 before lunch. B. Jagannath appeared for Petitioner and Learned AAG PV Balasubramanian appeared for Respondents. Memo was filed by the Learned AAG that no agamas was violated and Thiruparankundram temple was not kept open for arrival

[29/05, 14:59] sekarreporter1: Item 42. Andal Chockalingam Vs Commissioner and another – For orders – matter pertaining to abolishment of special Darshan and VViP Darshan. Matter was taken up at 130 before lunch. B. Jagannath appeared for Petitioner and Learned AAG PV Balasubramanian appeared for Respondents. Memo was filed by the Learned AAG that no agamas was violated and Thiruparankundram temple was not kept open for arrival of minister specifically. Memo was filed by Kumaragurubaran that the minister appeared on time just before closing.
[29/05, 14:59] sekarreporter1: Learned Division Bench opined that there is nothing personal against anyone but the Honourable Court will not sit as a silent spectator if any Minister thinks he is above law.
[29/05, 14:59] sekarreporter1: Honourable Ministers should not think that they are above lawn y& deities will be waiting for them.
[29/05, 14:59] sekarreporter1: How can there be discrimination based on collection of amount and someone shall enter like this to the temple. This is clear discrimination against Devotees.
[29/05, 14:59] sekarreporter1: Amount of Rs.25 lakhs corruption pertaining to this specific Darshan aspect was also detected in Thiruchendur temple last week.

Learned AAG stated that they need time to file counter and requires 2 weeks. The Bench made it very clear that they are not satisfied with this paid Darshan concept. Learned AAG stated that there are other judgements pertaining to this very same case and that it wouldn’t be right for them to withdraw this as they would lose a great source of revenue for the temple. The bench opined orally that this kind of revenue is not required for the temple and also cited example of Parthasarathy temple where Rs.100 extra Queue is made for Darshan. VIP treatment against devotees in temple is wrong. Also there’s nothing of this sort in any Islamic mosques or churches why is this there only in Hindu temples controlled by respondent department. Learned AAG prayed for filing counter. Accordingly, Bench recorded the memo, Admitted the matter and ordered notice. Learned Counsel for Petitioner stated that in these circumstances Co ordinate Division Bench judgements will not be applicable as Learned Supreme Court has stated in Banke Bihari temple a committee has to be formed to abolish special Darshan and VIP Queue system & a report has been filed by committee before the Honourable Apex Court in this aspect last week in May.