Haj panel rapped by MRTPC

NEW DELHI, December 22: Cautioning the chairman of the Central Haj Committee CHC to show restraint in discharging his duties, the Monopol...

NEW DELHI, December 22: Cautioning the chairman of the Central Haj Committee CHC to show restraint in discharging his duties, the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practice Commission MRTPC, has served a notice on the Haj panel asking it to restore order in its functioning and provide better facilities to pilgrims.

The Commission8217;s direction came in the wake of a petition filed by G M Farooqui alleging that CHC chairman Salamutullah was violating certain norms in connivance with officials from the Union Ministry of External Affairs. Issuing the notices, MRTPC member Sardar Ali observed, quot;After perusal of the contents of the petition and the annexure, and on hearing the arguments, one is moved to make sure that authorities like the CHC and persons responsible are directed to set its functioning in order. This will provide justice to thousands and millions of people and safe guard public interest.quot;

The MRTPC reserved its opinion on the petitioner8217;s contention that the Haj Act of 1959 should be amended as it was outdated. It, however, agreed that a prima facie case should be made out on the issue. Commenting on its leadership, the MRTPC, in its six-page order, held: It is necessary to understand the reason which has compelled the Central Haj Committee to remain under the chairmanship of a single man for such a long period. A man who is alleged to be very powerful and allegedly enjoys the confidence of some high ranking politicians.

Quoting from arguments put across by the counsel for the petitioner W A Nomani, the order further states that the Hajis, after reaching Jeddah had to face physical and mental torture in a country where they are not known to anybody. quot;Pilgrims are left to face temperatures up to 50 degree Celsius. After realising huge sums of money from them, they are dropped in a deserted field without guides or assistance,quot; the petitioner had alleged. The CHC realises Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 from each pilgrim for providing transportation and accommodation, Nomani argued. It charges Rs 18,000 from any person who wants accommodation within a radius of 600 meters from quot;Haram Sharifquot; and Rs 12,350 for accommodation within a radius of 850 meters.

Observing that the respondents have violated the terms and conditions of the agreement, the MRTPC noted that they have committed unfair, restrictive and monopolistic trade practices with the knowledge of the chairman.

Alleging that the incident at Meena this year, which resulted in several Hajis dying in a fire, was the height of carelessness, the petitioner said the CHC and other officials never bothered to address these problems.