LANGAR ORGANISATIONS DENIED MANDATORY NOCs IN ALLEGED VIOLATION OF CLAUSE 23 — SASB DISTRIBUTING “APPRECIATION CERTIFICATES” INSTEAD
LUDHIANA, 12 August: Shri Amarnath Barfani Langars Organisation (SABLO), representing multiple Bhandara (Langar) service providers for Shri Amarnathji Yatra, has expressed grave concern and deep disappointment over the arbitrary and unexplained non-issuance of mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to several Bhandara Organisations despite full compliance with all stipulated requirements.
The SABLO in a statement said that as per Clause 23 of the Terms and Conditions governing Bhandara permissions:
“The LO will secure No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Camp Director before leaving the site/camp. The NOC will form part of the eligibility for setting up of Langar in the next Yatra…” The clause clearly mandates that an NOC must be issued once the Langar Organisation has (i) returned all articles issued by SASB and (ii)adequately cleaned the Langar site. SABLO states that most Bhandara Organisations have scrupulously fulfilled both conditions, yet the respective Camp Directors have withheld NOCs without any written reason, explanation, or prior notice.
“Instead, SABLO has reliably learned that SASB is now proposing to distribute “Appreciation Certificates” on 13 August 2025 in Katra — without clarifying whether these certificates will carry the same legal weight as NOCs for purposes of eligibility in future Expression of Interest (EOI) processes.”
KEY ISSUES RAISED BY SABLO
1. Whether an Appreciation Certificate can be legally deemed equivalent to an NOC under Clause 23 for eligibility in the next Yatra’s EOI.
2. Whether SASB has issued any formal or oral directions to Camp Directors to stop issuing NOCs — and, if so, on what legal basis.
3. Why nearly 20 Bhandara Organisations have been served show cause notices on flimsy grounds at the fag end of the Yatra — giving only 48 hours to respond — which may be used to disqualify them from future participation.
4. Why no official circular or public notification has been issued by SASB regarding any change in policy or eligibility conditions.
SABLO’S POSITION
SABLO President Rajan Gupta stated: “This is not just a procedural lapse — it is a direct violation of the rights of longstanding service organisations who have served lakhs of Yatris selflessly for decades. Clause 23 is unambiguous. NOCs cannot be replaced by arbitrary certificates without amending the governing rules. Such actions raise serious concerns about transparency, fairness, and the credibility of SASB’s process.”
SABLO further warned that such arbitrary actions could be interpreted as violations of principles of natural justice, due process, and legitimate expectation, and may invite legal scrutiny.
CALL FOR URGENT ACTION
SABLO has formally demanded:
– Immediate public clarification from SASB on whether Appreciation Certificates will be treated as valid NOCs.
– Immediate issuance of pending NOCs to all eligible Bhandara Organisations.
– Withdrawal of unjustified showcause notices issued at the closing stage of the Yatra.
– Assurance that future EOI processes will remain fair, transparent, and rule-bound.
