By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
New Delhi : Accepting a public interest litigation regarding the troubles faced by Hajis this year, the Lucknow Bench of Allahabad High Court has asked the Union government, Air India, Central Haj Committee and state Haj committee to explain why such treatment was meted out. The Bench has set January 29, 2008 for hearing of the case. Justice Pradeep Kant and Justice S.N. Shukla issued the notice after hearing a writ filed by president of ‘Khadimul Hujjaj’ Syed Yawar Husain alias Rishu.
Pleading for the applicant, G.S.L. Verma said the Government of India had made the agreement with Air India that every Haji could bring 10 liters of Zam Zam water at charges of 13 Riyals per liter. A similar agreement was made to bring back Hajis’ luggage. But flouting the agreements, Air India demanded 55 Riyals from every Haji for bringing Zam Zam water. The airline also turned down to bring Hajis’ luggage. It was also put before the court that Hajis were called at airport up to five days ahead of scheduled flights. This added to their miseries as they had to stay there without any meal. No arrangement was made for the treatment of sick Hajis. The court was requested to order the airline to return Hajis the extra money taken from them and also compensate them.
Pleading for state Haj committee, advocate Khaliq Ahmad Khan said it has become necessary that the Union government collect all documents from state Haj committee and present it in the court. Mr. Khaliq said that Hajis were not allowed to bring Zam Zam water on account of Hajis’ security.