HC stays Cox and Kings demolition

“We have obtained a stay order from the Allahabad high court till January 16th,” said a company official on Friday.

“We have all the legal sanctions from local authorities to set up these tents which has been booked mainly by non-resident Indians and foreign media persons. All the tents are booked for the entire festival period. The court has decided to issue a stay order after we filed our petition today morning,” the spokesperson added.

“For the first time in India, any tour operator had set up these tents to attract foreign tourists… and they (the administration) are treating us so shabbily. It has cost us a bomb to set up these tents,” said Urshila Kerkar, Acting CEO of Cox and Kings. “Even local Indians are calling us now to get bookings which is closed for now,” she adds.

The administration had given the pack-up notice after opposition from sadhus (holy men) who are opposed to what they called a "five-star invasion" in an otherwise entirely religious occasion.

Earlier, a public interest litigation had also been filed before the Allahabad High Court against setting up hotels at the Kumbh Mela and the court had told organisers to take appropriate action. A luxury tent village set up by a local Allahabad businessman has been also been asked to close.