Kerala High Court slams police, TDB over 'VIP darshan' to actor Dileep at Sabarimala

The court also sought a report from the police explaining how the preferential treatment was given to Dileep.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala High Court on Friday slammed the police and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) over the VIP darshan facility given to actor Dileep at the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple amidst the heavy rush of pilgrims.

Dileep, who is an accused in the abduction and assault of a woman actor in Kochi, was provided police security to reach the sanctum sanctorum by breaking the queue and was allowed to have darshan for considerable time at the temple on Thursday.

Taking note of the matter, the devaswom bench of the Kerala HC asked why he was allowed to offer prayers for considerable duration and allowed through VIP darshan when all devotees should be treated equally.

The court also pointed out that preferential treatment was given to the actor while hundreds of pilgrims, including children and aged people, were waiting in queue for hours for darshan. The VIP darshan will also hinder the darshan of other pilgrims.

The HC sought a report on the matter from the Travancore Devaswom Board that manages the temple.

The temple authorities informed that an explanation was sought from those concerned on giving VIP darshan facility to Dileep.

Sources said that several others were also provided VIP darshan facilities during the ongoing pilgrimage.