A significant controversy has emerged regarding the alleged mistreatment and discrimination of devotees at the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganpati pandal in Mumbai. A formal complaint has been lodged with the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) by lawyers Ashish Rai and Pankaj Kumar Mishra. The complaint names the Mumbai Police Commissioner and the Maharashtra State Secretary. The core of the complaint centers on the VIP/Non-VIP darshan system, which is accused of creating disparities in how ordinary devotees are treated.
The complainants allege that regular devotees, including children, women, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and pregnant women, are forced to endure a wait of up to 48 hours in a single line without access to basic facilities. Furthermore, it is alleged that pandal managers and bouncers engage in rough behavior with devotees and use offensive language. The complaint highlights that while police officials permit VIPs to take photographs and videos with ease, ordinary individuals are prevented from experiencing swift darshan.
The complaint also references national news reports that detail the risks of physical abuse and potential stampedes, which have led to serious injuries among numerous devotees. Rai and Mishra previously submitted complaints to the Mumbai Police Commissioner on September 14, 2024, and September 22, 2023, but no decisive action was taken. They have now requested that the MSHRC investigate the matter and promptly take necessary action.
The complainants have requested that the commission promptly investigate the matter and take action against those responsible. They seek the immediate abolition of the VIP/Non-VIP darshan system to ensure equality for all devotees, as guaranteed by Article 14 of the Constitution. Additionally, they demand the implementation of adequate arrangements to prevent disruptions in darshan for ordinary devotees during VIP visits. Strong security measures and provisions for vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly, as protected by Article 21 of the Constitution, are called for to prevent future incidents. They also propose the establishment of a special police administration within the pandal to enable the immediate recording of complaints related to any form of abuse or molestation. Recommendations for security enhancements aimed at preventing the recurrence of such incidents are also requested.