Appointment of Non-Muslim IAS Officer as Maharashtra Hajj Committee CEO Sparks Debate

The appointment of IAS officer Manoj Jadhav as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Maharashtra State Hajj Committee has triggered strong reactions from sections of the Muslim community across the state.

Manoj Jadhav, a senior bureaucrat, has recently assumed charge as CEO of the committee, which is responsible for managing Hajj-related arrangements for pilgrims from Maharashtra. The decision has surprised many, as Hajj is a core religious obligation in Islam, and the committee traditionally deals with sensitive religious, logistical, and administrative matters related to the pilgrimage.

Several Muslim clerics, community leaders, and activists have expressed disappointment over the move. They argue that appointing a non-Muslim to oversee the functioning of the Hajj Committee is inappropriate, given the religious nature of its work. Many have emphasized that the role requires deep understanding of Islamic traditions, rituals, and rulings related to Hajj.

Senior advocate of the Bombay High Court, Yusuf Ibrahani, strongly criticized the appointment in a video statement. He described the decision as “shocking and shameful” and said that a Muslim who is well-versed in the religious aspects of Hajj would be more suitable for the position. Ibrahani also questioned the silence of the Congress party on the issue and announced that he plans to challenge the appointment in court after the elections.

He referred to the Central and State Hajj Committee Act, which governs the functioning of Hajj committees across India. According to the Act, committee members are expected to be predominantly from the Muslim community. The law allows states to constitute State Hajj Committees and outlines their responsibilities, including managing Hajj arrangements, overseeing the selection and travel of pilgrims, and ensuring proper implementation of the Hajj quota.
The Maharashtra State Hajj Committee plays a key role in coordinating with Saudi authorities and facilitating the pilgrimage for thousands of Indian Muslims. Every year, nearly 1.75 lakh Indians perform Hajj, with most pilgrims traveling through Hajj committees, while around one-fourth opt for private tour operators.

Meanwhile, the Hajj pilgrimage for 2026 is provisionally expected to take place between May 25 and May 30, subject to the sighting of the moon. Saudi authorities have already issued guidelines for pilgrims, including a ban on cooking in camps and restrictions on carrying electric cooking appliances. Pilgrims have also been advised to carry essential medicines for five to six days, along with items such as umbrellas, sunglasses, plastic mats, and protein bars to cope with the harsh conditions.

As discussions continue, community members are urging the government to clarify the legal and administrative basis of the appointment and to address the concerns raised by religious leaders.