The Tirupati Tirumala Devasthanam (TTD) Board under newly appointed Chairman Y V Subba Reddy has abolished the current VIP Darshan system in the shrine, The News Minute has reported.

"We have come to a collective decision after many days of deliberation with the EO. From today, the L1, L2, L3 system is being abolished. We do not wish to hurt the feelings of senior dignitaries but we wish to help the regular devotees who stand in long queues for darshan. In front of the deity, everyone is an equal devotee" Reddy said.

The current VIP darshan system had three classes of VIPs who were granted prioritised entry before the regular pilgrims. Among the most popular Hindu shrines in the country, Tirupati sees devotees lining up in huge numbers for a glimpse of the Lord.

VIP darshans used to take up between two and a half to three hours everyday, time which the board was trying to bring down for facilitating the ordinary pilgrims.

A PIL on the classifications had been filed in the Hyderabad High Court terming the move illegal. Speaking on the case in the court, Reddy had said, “The situation has reached a stage where people are compelled to approach court against the darshan system. We are here to provide hassle-free darshan to pilgrims.”

Reddy however said that a system will be developed for visiting dignitaries at a later time.