Laxity and lethargy on the part of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the banks left hundreds of intending hajj pilgrims in the lurch, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Monday.

More than 1,200 nominees deposited their hajj funds in 9 designated banks after receiving the confirmation message, but are unable to perform the pilgrimage.  The ministry blamed the mess on the banks and started mulling over taking to task the banks and imposing heavy fines upon the banks. 

The insiders said the matter of withdrawing some private quota to compensate these people is also under consideration. The victims are planning to take to the streets across the country and called upon the Supreme Court to take notice of the matter.