Supreme Court to Hear Petition Tomorrow on Entry of Common Devotees into Mahakal Mandir Sanctum, Challenge to VIP Culture

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: The long-standing controversy over entry into the sanctum sanctorum of the Jyotirlinga Mahakaleshwar Temple has reached the Supreme Court. For over a year and a half, common devotees have been denied entry into the inner sanctum, while VIPs and public representatives are allowed unrestricted access. A petition challenging this restriction will be heard by the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

Petition Filed Against Discrimination

Advocate Charchit Shastri from Indore filed the petition through senior lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, arguing that the temple administration’s policy of allowing influential persons to enter the sanctum while denying ordinary devotees violates the principles of equality and religious freedom. The petition demands a uniform arrangement allowing all devotees equal access to the sanctum.

Background: Entry Bar Introduced During Sawan

On July 4, 2023, during the Sawan month, the Mahakal Temple Management Committee temporarily barred common devotees from entering the sanctum due to anticipated large crowds. The administration had assured that the restriction would be lifted after Sawan ended. However, over a year and a half later, the sanctum remains inaccessible to the general public, who must now view the deity from Ganesh Mandap, Kartikeya Mandap, or Nandi Hall.

Crowd Control Cited, VIPs Exempted

The inauguration of the Mahakal Lok project has dramatically increased daily footfall. Earlier, 20,000–30,000 devotees visited daily; now, numbers range between 150,000–200,000. The administration cites crowd control and security as reasons for limiting sanctum access. Yet, VIPs continue to enter without restrictions, highlighting a stark contrast in treatment.

Political Representatives Raise Concern

Local political figures have also voiced concerns. Ujjain MP Anil Firozia and the city mayor have previously demanded that common devotees be allowed sanctum entry, raising the issue with state authorities, including the Chief Minister.

Legal Proceedings

Earlier, the petition was filed in the Indore High Court, which dismissed it as a personal matter and left the decision regarding sanctum entry to the district collector. The Supreme Court petition now challenges that order.

Hearing Scheduled Tomorrow

The petition will be heard on Tuesday by a two-judge bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joy Malya Bagchi. Advocates hope that the Supreme Court will rule in favor of equal access for all devotees, ensuring that everyone can offer prayers and perform rituals in front of Lord Mahakal.