Mahakal VIP Darshan: SC Declines Intervention, Sparks Debate on Temple Access

• The Supreme Court of India declined to intervene in a plea against 'VIP Darshan' at Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple, stating temple entry is not for judicial adjudication.
• The decision sparked debate among devotees who experience long queues while others get preferential access, raising questions about fairness and equality.
• Advocate Rhythm Sheel Srivastava argues that state-controlled temple administrations' decisions, like preferential access, are subject to judicial review under Article 14.
• The petitioner, Darpan Awasthi, challenged preferential access, arguing that a public religious institution under state supervision should have uniform and transparent entry policies.
• CJI Surya Kant emphasized judicial self-restraint, stating courts should not become arbiters of religious practice, but rather focus on justiciability and legal violations.

Why It Matters: Supreme Court's non-intervention in Mahakal VIP Darshan highlights judicial restraint versus equality in temple access.