Supreme Court reduces VIP quota for Haj pilgrimage

New Delhi: Supreme Court reduces discretionary quota for Haj pilgrims to 240 seats from 2500 seats. The Apex court said, “We are unable to approve such large number of seats reserved to be allotted in exercise of discretion by various authorities”.

After hearing Attorney General submissions, all the seats for 2012, Haj to go to general quota except 240 seats. This was devised and formulated by Haj committee of India along with State Haj Committee. The unused or remaining seats from Borah committee will also be diverted to general quota.

The Apex Court has limited allocation of discretionary quota to President, Vice President, Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister and Haj committee of India. The court also mentioned that no high court will entertain any petition for registration of Haj pilgrims for 2012, says Supreme Court.

The Apex court also directed that all the cases pending before various High Courts relating to Haj 2012 shall be transferred to it.

Mala Dixit/ JPN