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Consider giving visas to Haj pilgrims using private tour operators: Bombay High Court to govt

The government was directed by the court to verify if it can utilise the unused visa quota allotted to VIP persons to accommodate the tour operators.

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The ministry of external affairs (MEA) was on Monday told to be considerate towards the Haj Pilgrims and the private tour operators and directed by the Bombay High Court to verify if it can utilise the unused visa quota allotted to VIP persons to accommodate the tour operators. 

Division bench of Justice DD Sinha and Justice VK Tahilramani were hearing a bunch of petitions filed by over 40 private tour operators challenging the MEA decision to disallow those operators who did not have minimum 250 square feet office area, was informed that out of the 11000 quota allotted for VIP persons only 8000 have been utilised.

The bench said “Verify if the ministry can accommodate these ineligible private tour operators now? If there is some allocation lying vacant then the ministry can consider giving them to the operators.”

Additional Solicitor General, Darius Khambata informed the court that he would take instructions by Tuesday from the ministry and request the joint secretary to remain personally present in court.

Senior counsels Yusuf Muchala, Pravin Samdani and Rafiq Dada appearing for the petitioners argued that the MEA decision was irrational and unreasonable. 

“What relevance does 250 square feet office area have with Haj pilgrimage? All the work is to be done on computer and internet. Pilgrims are not going to stand in the office and do Haj,” Muchala said.

The MEA’s policy decision was passed to favour somebody else, he alleged adding some tour operators who were held ineligible have been allotted double quota which is illegal.

Earlier in an affidavit filed by MEA stated that the final list of tour operators selected to send Haj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia was already sent and no changes can be made. However, the high court has ordered the ministry to maintain status quo till the petitions are heard and decided.

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