HC reserves orders on petition seeking subsidy for Christians

Kochi, Nov 16 (UNI) The Kerala High Court today reserved orders on a petition by Kerala Latin Catholic Aikyavedi seeking a direction to the External Affairs Ministry to grant subsidy to Indian Christains for pilgrimage to the holy lands in Israel and Palestine, on the lines of Haj subsidy.

Petitioner Aikyavedi Secretary Francis Albert also sought a direction to the Centre to take immediate steps to constitute a high power pilgrimage committee for Indian Christians on the model of the Haj Committee for conducting, coordinating, supervising and fecilitating their pilgrimage at least on the eve of Christmas and Easter.

The petitioner argued that the Government's policy granting subsidy to Muslims for Haj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, but denying subsidy to Christians amounted to discrimination on the grounds of religion.

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