The Supreme Court has declined to hear a petition seeking VIP access to the sanctum sanctorum of the renowned Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The court emphasized that before Lord Mahakal, everyone is equal and directed the petitioner to address the temple administration regarding the issue.
“There is no VIP in front of Mahakal,” the Supreme Court stated, adding that the authority to regulate entry into the sanctum lies with the temple committee and district administration. The court clarified it will not intervene in internal temple management matters.
The petitioner had alleged that while general devotees have been barred from entering the sanctum for over two and a half years, VIPs and influential persons have been allowed entry in violation of rules. The petitioner claimed this practice infringed upon the constitutional right to equality under Article 14.
Earlier, in August 2025, the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed a similar petition. The High Court ruled that decisions concerning sanctum access rest solely with the district collector and temple administration, and courts cannot interfere.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, general darshan inside the Mahakaleshwar temple’s sanctum has been suspended, with devotees only able to have darshan from outside the inner sanctum. However, reports have occasionally surfaced about VIP leaders receiving special permission for inner sanctum entry, causing discontent among ordinary devotees.
Following the Supreme Court’s decision, the petitioner must now engage with the temple authorities. The court underscored that judicial intervention in the internal rules and management of religious sites should be limited. This ruling could increase pressure on the temple administration to implement transparent and fair entry guidelines.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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