Kanwar Yatra eateries directive row

The Supreme Court has temporarily halted a guideline that required shopkeepers along the Kanwar Yatra routes in Uttar Pradesh to display their names. The court decided that only the type of food served in their eateries needs to be displayed.

Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti have issued notices to the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh regarding this order.

The decision follows a plea by the NGO Association of Protection of Civil Rights, which challenged the Uttar Pradesh government's directive.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that the order lacked legal authority and was a "camouflage."

kanwar yatra eateries directive

What is the Directive?

The directive was initially issued by the Muzaffarnagar police and later extended statewide in Uttar Pradesh. It mandates that all eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route prominently display the names of their owners. This measure has been widely criticized by opposition parties and some allies of the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre, who argue that it unfairly targets Muslim traders.

kanwar yatra eateries directive

Aftermath

Mahua Moitra's Plea: Moitra's plea before the Supreme Court contends that the requirement to disclose the names of proprietors and staff members, purportedly to respect the dietary choices of pilgrims, is a pretext for compelling the disclosure of religious identity. "This move is intended to create a socially enforced economic boycott of Muslim shop owners and workers, thereby endangering their livelihoods," the plea states.
Opposition's Response: The directive has sparked significant backlash, with opposition parties vowing to raise the issue in Parliament. At an all-party meeting on Sunday, leaders from the Congress, DMK, SP, and AAP condemned the order, calling it "communal and divisive." They demanded a discussion in Parliament, arguing that the policy was designed to marginalize Muslims and Scheduled Castes.
Criticism from Political Leaders: Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav criticized the move, saying, "This directive clearly targets Muslims and promotes communally divisive politics."
RLD's Stance: Adding to the criticism, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Jayant Chaudhary called for the order to be rescinded, stating that it appears to lack thoughtful consideration. "Kanwariyas do not ask about anyone's religion when they seek services. This matter should not be linked to any religion," he said.

kanwar yatra eateries directive

Government's Stand and Preparations

BJP's Defense: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has defended the directive, stating that it is an effort to maintain law and order and respect the religious sentiments of pilgrims. Yoga guru Ramdev also supported the measure, asserting that there should be no issue with disclosing one's identity.
Preparations for the Yatra: Authorities in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand have made extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth yatra, which spans from July 22 to August 19. Security measures, including no-vehicle zones, barricades, and CCTV and drone surveillance, have been implemented.
Supreme Court Hearing: The Supreme Court bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhatti is scheduled to hear the plea filed by the NGO Association of Protection of Civil Rights. This hearing will determine whether the controversial directive will be upheld or stayed, as petitioners argue it infringes on the rights of Muslim shop owners and workers.
Broader Implications: As the Kanwar Yatra commences, the debate over the name display directive highlights the broader issue of communal harmony and economic equality in India. The outcome of today's Supreme Court hearing will be closely watched by all stakeholders.

kanwar yatra eateries directive

Traffic Advisory and Public Safety

Delhi Police Advisory: In anticipation of the yatra, Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory warning of potential congestion in several areas. Motorists are advised to plan their routes accordingly to avoid delays.
Public Participation: The advisory highlights the expected participation of 15-20 lakh devotees, emphasising the need for patience and adherence to traffic rules during this period.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies