Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
High Court restores Bhole Bhandari Trust's right to serve langar at Amarnath Yatra
Babushahi Bureau
Jammu, July 23, 2025: In a significant judgment, the Hon’ble High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Jammu has upheld the rights of Bhole Bhandari Charitable Trust (Regd.), Ludhiana, allowing it to resume its traditional Langar/Bhandara service at Panchtarni for the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025.
The judgment, passed on July 22, 2025 , directed the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) to immediately grant permission to the Trust to set up its langar for the remainder of the Yatra.
The Court observed that the Trust—renowned for 28 years of uninterrupted and selfless service—was arbitrarily and discriminatorily excluded this year, despite having secured a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the 2024 Yatra.The Court ruled that this exclusion violated Articles 14 and 25 of the Constitution of India, which guarantee equality and the right to practice religion.
In its order, the Court stated:“...the respondents... are hereby directed to immediately entertain the pending request of the petitioner-Bhole Bhandari Charitable Trust for being accorded with permission to set up langar at Panchtarni for this year Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2025’s remainder of days...”
Trust officials, including Mr. Bharat Bhushan Bharti (Vice President), Mr. Parveen Goel (General Secretary), and Mr. Rajan Gupta (Trustee), welcomed the ruling and reiterated their unwavering commitment to Seva.
“We are humbled by this judgment and grateful to the Hon’ble High Court for upholding truth and justice. Bhole Bhandari Charitable Trust remains committed to selfless service of the pilgrims, as we have done for nearly three decades,” said Mr. Rajan Gupta, adding a heartfelt appeal to SASB for immediate compliance with the Court’s directions.
The ruling stands as a strong affirmation of the values of transparency, fairness, and religious service that are integral to the sanctity of the Amarnathji Yatra.