The Supreme Court on Tuesday (January 27, 2026) declined to entertain a petition challenging the VIP darshan practice at Shri Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant told advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing petitioner Darpan Awasthi, “In the presence of Mahakal [the deity], nobody is a VIP.” Mr. Jain argued for a uniform policy on temple entry, especially to the garbh-garha (sanctum sanctorum). However, the court said it is not its role to decide who enters the temple and when. "The court is not the one to decide on this. Let those in the helm of affairs decide. We are only about justiciability," said Chief Justice Kant. The petition followed a Madhya Pradesh High Court ruling that allowed VIP preferential treatment inside the sanctum, while restricting general public access. Mr. Jain protested that a person enters on the Collector’s order, creating unequal access. Responding, the CJI warned that allowing such claims could lead to demands to chant mantras as a fundamental right inside the sanctum. He advised, "Please go and make your representation before the authority concerned," and allowed the petition’s withdrawal. In a separate matter, the same Bench noted that temples with limited government interference have shown improvements in facilities for visitors due to donations. “There are now good facilities from the donations... most of them are spending that amount for the welfare of visitors. There are good places to stay, good roads, primary hospitals… All the basic amenities are provided,” Chief Justice Kant said, referring to a petition linked to the Anjaneya temple at Anjanadri Hills, Karnataka.