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In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court of India refused to interfere in the issue of Hajj airfare from Kerala but directed the Ministry of Civil Aviation to clarify why flight charges from Calicut airport are significantly higher than other departure points.
A bench comprising Justices S.K. Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia heard a petition challenging the increased airfare for Hajj pilgrims departing from Calicut compared to other embarkation points in India. The petitioners argued that the disparity in airfare was unreasonable and financially burdensome for pilgrims from Kerala.
The court, while acknowledging the concern, refrained from passing an order to regulate the fares. However, it sought an explanation from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the concerned authorities regarding the pricing mechanism for Hajj flights from Calicut. The court emphasized the need for transparency in fare determination to ensure fairness for all pilgrims.
The petitioners contended that the increased fare from Calicut disproportionately affected pilgrims from Kerala, many of whom come from economically weaker backgrounds. They also highlighted that other embarkation points in India offered lower airfare for Hajj travel, raising questions about the rationale behind the pricing structure.
The Supreme Court's decision marks a step toward accountability, as it directs the ministry to provide a justification for the pricing discrepancies. The ruling underscores the judiciary's role in addressing concerns related to religious pilgrimages while maintaining a balanced approach that respects administrative and policy decisions.
The case will now proceed with the Ministry of Civil Aviation expected to file a response explaining the differential pricing. The Supreme Court’s stance reinforces the need for fair and transparent airfare policies, ensuring that religious pilgrims are not subjected to undue financial strain.
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