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    Supreme Court Declines to Intervene in Mahakaleshwar Temple Entry Practices

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    The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to entertain a petition seeking judicial intervention in the entry practices at the sanctum sanctorum of the Shri Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, observing that such matters fall outside the court’s jurisdiction and should be decided by the temple authorities themselves.

    A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant made it clear that the judiciary is not meant to act as a regulatory authority for religious institutions on issues related to internal administration, including decisions on access to sacred spaces. The court was hearing a plea that questioned the practice of allowing certain individuals special access for darshan at the historic temple.

    During the hearing, the Chief Justice underlined the principle of equality before the deity, remarking that no individual enjoys special status in the presence of Mahakal. The observation was made while responding to submissions by the petitioner’s counsel, who argued that preferential access undermines the spirit of equal treatment among devotees.

    The Bench indicated that religious institutions have their own established systems and traditions, and it is for those managing the affairs of the temple to take appropriate decisions. The court noted that unless there is a clear violation of law or constitutional principles, it would be inappropriate for the judiciary to step into matters that are essentially administrative and religious in nature.

    The petition had sought directions from the apex court to examine and regulate entry into the sanctum, contending that certain practices created distinctions among devotees. However, the court declined to examine the merits of these claims, stating that it was not the right forum to decide how temples should manage darshan arrangements.

    Legal observers noted that the Supreme Court has, on several occasions, maintained a cautious approach in matters involving religious practices, particularly when they relate to internal management. The court has generally intervened only when issues raise substantial questions of constitutional rights or public order.

    The Shri Mahakaleshwar temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracts a large number of devotees from across the country throughout the year. Due to the heavy footfall, temple authorities have over time introduced various arrangements to manage crowds, including different time slots and special entry provisions, particularly during festivals and peak seasons.

    Temple management practices, especially those related to darshan access, have often been a subject of public debate. Supporters of regulated access argue that such systems help maintain order and ensure safety in crowded premises. Critics, however, contend that any form of preferential access contradicts the spiritual principle of equality among devotees.

    In its brief interaction, the Supreme Court reiterated that such policy choices are best left to those responsible for running the temple, who are more familiar with on-ground realities and logistical constraints. The Bench emphasised that courts should refrain from micromanaging religious institutions unless there is a compelling legal reason to do so.

    The decision is likely to be seen as reinforcing the autonomy of religious bodies in managing their internal affairs, while also reaffirming the judiciary’s position on maintaining a balance between constitutional oversight and respect for religious administration.

    While the petition was not taken up for detailed consideration, the court’s remarks have added to the ongoing public discourse around access, equality, and governance within major religious institutions. For now, the responsibility for addressing concerns related to entry practices at the Mahakaleshwar temple remains with the temple authorities and the state administration overseeing its management.

    The ruling also reflects a broader judicial approach that encourages administrative solutions and dialogue over litigation in matters rooted in religious customs and management, unless fundamental rights or legal provisions are demonstrably at stake.

     
     
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    उत्कृष्ट सेवाओं के लिए गणतंत्र दिवस के अवसर डॉ. सैनी को सम्मानित किया गया
    उत्कृष्ट सेवाओं के लिए गणतंत्र दिवस के अवसर डॉ. सैनी को सम्मानित किया गया

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