Madurai, August 1, 2013: Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has sought the Tamil Nadu government's response to a PIL seeking a direction to the Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Board to abolish paid darshans in temples across the state. 

When the petition by C Arun, an advocate, came up before Justice Paul N.Vasanthakumar and Justice P.Devadoss, they told the Government Advocate to get instructions. 

The petitioner submitted that the three grades of temples were collecting fees ranging from Rs.10 to Rs.1,000 from the devotees for special darshans and the fee was increased during festivals. 

Besides the darshan spot, from where the devotees could see the deities, was also based on the amount paid. 

Devotees opting for free darshan were not given respect and not treated equally. There was no need for special darshans as the temples were getting enough funds by way of donations and offerings in hundis. 

The special darshans should be given only to senior citizens and physically challenged persons,he said.

Source: Business Standard, August 1, 2013