Subhan Tours and Travel Services v. Union of India
Background
This order does not decide the main case. A private Haj tour operator, along with 25 connected writ petitions by other operators, sought a mandamus directing the Union of India to accept their registration applications and grant priority for conducting Haj Tour 2016. The Additional Solicitor General stated that no decision had yet been taken on any operator's application.
Decision Breakdown
This is not a final decision on the main case. By its order of 18 May 2016, the Court expressed no opinion on any of the issues. It disposed of all the writ petitions by granting each petitioner liberty to file a fresh application by 27.05.2016. It directed the concerned authority to decide each application on its own merits, in line with the law laid down in earlier precedents, and to pass a reasoned order by 29.06.2016.
Lesson Learnt
There is no final ruling by the Court on any operator's entitlement to Haj tour registration or priority. Each application was left to the administrative authority to decide by a reasoned order.