On Monday, the Supreme Court temporarily halted the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments’ directive requiring shopkeepers along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their names. The Court ruled that while food sellers and hawkers may be required to indicate the type of food they are serving to Kanwariyas, they should not be compelled to disclose their names.
Supreme Court on Kanwar Yatra
Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti, who issued the order, noted that the enforcement of the directive should be suspended until further notice. The bench issued notices to Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh regarding the matter.
During the proceedings, Justice Bhatti shared an anecdote from his time in Kerala, where he frequented a vegetarian restaurant run by a Muslim owner who adhered to high international hygiene standards. Justice Bhatti emphasized that his choice was based on the quality and cleanliness of the food, not the owner’s name.
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Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, commented that diners choose based on the menu, not the identity of the food seller. He pointed out that the directive in question was essentially a “camouflaged” order requiring shop owners to display their names.
Senior advocate Chander Uday Singh, representing the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, argued that no legal authority permitted the police commissioner to issue such an order. The bench cautioned Singhvi against exaggerating, suggesting that the directives might have aspects related to safety and hygiene.
The BJP-led government’s order faced criticism not only from the Opposition but also from its allies, including Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) and JD(U). The Opposition labeled the order as divisive, while the BJP defended it as a measure to safeguard religious sentiments and maintain law and order.
