New Delhi, Dec 07: National Federation of Muslims Organisations has approached the Supreme Court against the Centre's decision to withdraw subsidy on air fare for Haj pilgrims for 2004. The issue was mentioned by petitioner's counsel Anis Suhrawardhy before a bench comprising Justice S Rajendra Babu and Justice G P Mathur, who posted the same for hearing on December 15.

Terming the government decision as "wholly illegal and arbitrary", the petitioner urged the court to declare it "null and void" as it amounted to imposition of an unreasonable restriction on the Haj pilgrims at the last juncture.

The petitioner pointed out that the process for Haj 2004 started way back in June 2003 and as per the guidelines issued by the government, prospective hajis sent their applications alongwith a payment of Rs 10,550 as asked for.

However, in the midst of it on October 14 last, various state haj committees were informed that subsidised Haj shall be permitted to a person only once in her or his life, it said.

It was further informed that income tax payers shall not be allowed to avail of the concessional air fare from April 1 next year and only those pilgrims who live in the accommodation provided by Haj committee, India, would be eligible for the subsidised fare.

The petitioners contended that due to these conditions, intending hajis would now be required to pay a sum totalling Rs 20,000 which was even otherwise more than what the private operators might charge from the pilgrims.
Bureau Report