Monday, September 18 2006 16:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today (Sept 18, 2006) stayed the Allahabad High Court order restraining Centre from providing financial subsidies to Haj pilgrims.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice Y K Sabbhawal made it clear that the order pertains to the Haj pilgrimage for this year only.

While staying the interim order of the Allahabad High Court, the court took into consideration the arrangements made by the government for this year's Haj scheduled for November.

The Bench asked the High Court to deal expeditiously with the pending petition in this regard.

Solicitor General G E Vahanvati had sought stay of the order contending that it has a far reaching effect as the entire arrangements done for the Haj would be affected and it would be a big setback for the country in terms of international image.

Further, it said there has been an arrangement with the Saudi Airlines for the Haj pilgrims and if it was cancelled, there would be a huge economic loss to the state exchequer.

The SG said the Government had already entered into agreement with Saudi Arabia about the accomodation of149,000 people.