Delhi High Court Rescinds Centre's Blacklisting of Haj Group Organizers

The Delhi High Court has overturned the Centre's decision to blacklist several Haj Group Organizers, citing vague language in show cause notices as a violation of natural justice principles. The court directed the Ministry of Minority Affairs to issue fresh notices with specific details within one week and make decisions within ten days after considering the responses.

The Delhi High Court has nullified the Centre's action of blacklisting numerous Haj Group Organizers due to alleged breaches of the Haj Policy, 2023.

Justice Sanjeev Narua noted that over 15 petitions by the organizers revealed that the show cause notices used 'vague language,' rendering the blacklisting decisions legally indefensible and in breach of natural justice principles.

In May 2023, the Ministry of Minority Affairs blacklisted these organizers for periods ranging from five to 15 years and ordered the forfeiture of their security deposits. The court pointed out that while the orders were detailed, the notices lacked specification, denying the organizers a fair chance to defend themselves. The Ministry has been instructed to reissue detailed show cause notices within a week and resolve the matter promptly.