A major controversy has erupted concerning the alleged inhumane treatment and discrimination faced by devotees at the Lalbaugcha Raja Ganpati pandal in Mumbai. Advocates Ashish Rai and Pankaj Kumar Mishra have filed a formal complaint with the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (MSHRC). The complaint also includes the Mumbai Police Commissioner and the Maharashtra State Secretary. The central issue of the complaint is the VIP/Non-VIP darshan system, which allegedly leads to discrimination against ordinary devotees.
The complainants allege that ordinary devotees, including children, women, the elderly, the disabled, and pregnant women, are forced to wait in the same line for up to 48 hours without any basic amenities. It is also alleged that the pandal managers and bouncers manhandle devotees and use abusive language. The complaint states that while police officers allow VIPs to take photos and videos comfortably, ordinary people are prevented from having quick darshan.
The complaint also mentions national news reports highlighting the risk of physical abuse and stampedes, which have caused serious injuries to many devotees. Rai and Mishra had previously filed complaints with the Mumbai Police Commissioner on September 14, 2024, and September 22, 2023, but no concrete action was taken. They have now appealed to the MSHRC to investigate the matter and take action as soon as possible.
The complainants have requested the commission to immediately investigate the matter and take action against the offenders. They also seek the immediate closure of the VIP/Non-VIP darshan system to ensure equality for all devotees under Article 14 of the Constitution. They also demand proper arrangements to prevent any obstruction in the darshan of ordinary devotees when VIPs arrive. Strong security and facilities for vulnerable groups like children, women, and the elderly under Article 21 of the Constitution are requested to prevent such incidents in the future. The establishment of a special police administration within the pandal to immediately register complaints of any kind of abuse or molestation is also sought. Recommendations for security measures to prevent such incidents from happening again are also requested.