A significant dispute has emerged concerning the alleged unfair treatment and discrimination experienced by devotees at Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja Ganpati pandal. A formal complaint has been lodged with the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC) by lawyers Ashish Rai and Pankaj Kumar Mishra, also naming the Mumbai Police Commissioner and the Maharashtra State Secretary. The complaint primarily focuses on the VIP/Non-VIP darshan system, alleging that it results in the unequal treatment of ordinary devotees.
The complainants assert that regular devotees, including children, women, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and pregnant women, are compelled to endure queues for up to 48 hours without access to essential facilities. They also accuse pandal management and security personnel of physical aggression and verbal abuse towards devotees. The complaint further claims that while police officers permit VIPs to freely capture photos and videos, ordinary people are prevented from quick darshan.
The complaint references national news reports that detail the dangers of physical abuse and potential stampedes, leading to serious injuries among numerous devotees. Rai and Mishra had previously filed complaints with the Mumbai Police Commissioner on September 14, 2024, and September 22, 2023, without any follow-up action. Consequently, they are now urging the MSHRC to investigate the matter and take swift action.
The complainants are requesting an immediate investigation and the prosecution of those responsible. They demand the elimination of the VIP/Non-VIP darshan system to ensure equal treatment for all devotees, as guaranteed by Article 14 of the Constitution. They seek proper arrangements to prevent obstructions to the darshan of ordinary devotees during VIP visits. Furthermore, they are requesting strong security measures and facilities for vulnerable groups, as outlined in Article 21, to prevent future incidents. They suggest the establishment of a dedicated police unit within the pandal for the immediate reporting of any instances of abuse or harassment. Finally, they request recommendations for enhanced security protocols to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.