Gauhati High Court Directs Haj Committee To Decide Issue Of Excess Fare Charged From Pilgrims Within 90 Days

The Gauhati High Court ordered the Central Haj Committee to refund excess airfare charged from Assam pilgrims for the 2023 Haj pilgrimage. The court intervened after a PIL raised concerns about the higher airfares imposed on pilgrims traveling from Assam compared to other regions. The Committee had collected the extra amount under the pretext of increased airfares but failed to provide any justification. The court ruled that pilgrims should not be subjected to such charges and directed the refund of the excess amount. This ruling highlights the judiciary’s role in ensuring fair treatment of citizens, especially in religious and cultural matters.