The Protection of Pilgrims Act, 1887, is a colonial-era statute designed to safeguard pilgrims traveling from the port of Bombay to the Hedjaz. It regulates the activities of "pilgrim-brokers"—intermediaries who sell passage tickets—by mandating that they obtain a license from the Commissioner of Police. The Act prohibits fraudulent practices, such as overcharging, selling tickets for unannounced voyages, or issuing duplicate tickets. It grants the Commissioner authority to suspend or cancel licenses for misconduct and imposes fines for violations. Ultimately, the law ensures that pilgrims are not exploited by unscrupulous agents during their religious journey.
Official Legislative Text
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