The Supreme Court of India has declined to interfere in the execution of the Union Government’s Haj Policy 2025, which was formulated in consultation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The decision came in response to multiple writ petitions filed by Haj Group Organizers (HGOs) challenging the allocation of pilgrimage quotas under the policy.
A batch of writ petitions was presented before the Court, alleging that the allocation was arbitrary and discriminatory. The petitioners claimed that some HGOs received disproportionately fewer pilgrim slots compared to others. They sought judicial intervention for a fair reallocation of quotas.
During the hearing, the petitioners’ counsel informed the Court that discussions among the HGOs had led to a redistribution of quotas, ensuring a more balanced allocation. The Union of India had issued a notice on March 18, 2025, allowing HGOs to finalize their Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and submit their internal quota distribution agreements by March 20, 2025.
Read Also:- Supreme Court Declines to Interfere with Hajj Airfare from Kerala, Seeks Explanation for Higher Charges from Calicut
After considering the matter, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh acknowledged the steps taken towards equitable distribution and upheld the existing arrangements. The Court encouraged lead and non-lead HGOs to further redistribute surplus pilgrim slots to ensure fairness.
The Supreme Court observed that newly implemented policies often face initial challenges and anomalies. It reiterated that policymakers require reasonable time to assess and address such concerns. The Court emphasized that the primary stakeholders in the Haj Policy are the pilgrims, and their religious interests must be the central consideration. Additionally, the commercial interests of HGOs, which prompted the petitions, should also be taken into account in future policymaking.
“Given that the instant petitions do not challenge the Haj-2025 Policy and its implementation in the present manner has already taken shape, we are not inclined to further interfere with the implementation of the Haj-2025 Policy at this stage.” — Supreme Court Order
Read Also:- Allahabad High Court Orders ASI to Complete Whitewashing of Sambhal Jama Masjid Within a Week
The Court clarified that while it chose not to intervene at this stage, it did not preclude future legal challenges regarding discrimination or other implementation issues. It granted liberty to affected parties to raise their contentions before the appropriate legal forums as required.
Several other entities had filed intervention applications raising additional concerns regarding the policy and its execution. The Court dismissed these applications as non-maintainable but allowed the applicants to seek legal remedies through appropriate channels.
Case Title: KOLKATA TOURS AND TRAVELS (I) PVT. LTD. & ORS. VERSUS UNION OF INDIA
