Haj pilgrimage: SC refuses to pass order on tour operators' plea
New Delhi, Jun 24: The Supreme Court Monday refused to pass any order on a plea by the Federation of Haj Private Tour Operators of India challenging a condition to charge extra for additional quota of 10,000 seats.
A vacation bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and B R Gavai noted that most of the concerns of the tour operators have been addressed by the Ministry of Minority Affairs after which the petition was withdrawn.
"Senior counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner seeks permission to withdraw the present writ petition with a liberty to file a fresh writ petition, if required and necessary for the subsequent years. Permission is granted. The writ petition is accordingly dismissed as withdrawn with liberty as prayed," the bench said.
The court had on June 18 asked the Ministry of Minority Affairs to hold a meeting with representatives of the Federation of Haj Private Tour Operators to resolve the issue.
The petitioners had contended that that condition to charge the additional quota seats allotted to them on applicable rates of Haj Committee of India is "unreasonable" and sought a direction to withdraw the condition imposed to charge additional quota of 10,000 seats allotted to them at the applicable rates of Haj Committee of India.
The plea termed the government's decision against the interest of Haj pilgrims along with the private tour operators and Haj Group Organisers.
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US rules out use of nuclear weapons against Iran
Washington DC: The White House has reportedly ruled out the use of nuclear weapons against Iran, even as uncertainty continues over ongoing peace negotiations and a deadline set by US President Donald Trump approaches.
Issues bout a possible escalation had increased after US Vice President JD Vance said that the United States has “tools in our toolkit that we so far haven’t decided to use” in dealing with Iran.
His remarks came amid rising tensions and ahead of a deadline linked to peace efforts.
The situation has attracted attention as Trump warned Iran that its “whole civilization will die tonight tonight” if an agreement is not reached by Tuesday at 8 pm.
This statement led to speculation about the possibility of extreme military measures, including a nuclear strike.
Following Vance’s comments, the White House issued a clarification distancing itself from such interpretations. In a post on X, it said, "Literally nothing @VP said here 'implies' this, you absolute buffoons." In a later statement, it added that “only the president knows” what action will be taken regarding Iran.
Literally nothing @VP said here "implies" this, you absolute buffoons https://t.co/7JU3wXMaWX
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 7, 2026
