The government of Uttar Pradesh has defended its directive requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route in the state to display the names of their owners and staff. The Yogi Adityanath-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government argued that the rule aims to ensure peace and transparency during the religious yatra, avoiding potential confusion. The government claimed that similar arrangements are made during other religious events, citing traffic restrictions during Muharram and Eid, as well as restrictions on pig movement during those festivals to respect the sensitivities of the Muslim community.
However, the Supreme Court, hearing petitions challenging the Kanwar Yatra order, extended its interim order staying the directive. The court deemed the requirement unnecessary and potentially discriminatory. The government stated that the directive was implemented after receiving complaints from Kanwariyas, allowing them to make an informed choice about where to eat. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, highlighted that the Central Law Food and Safety Standards Act, 2006, mandates that all food sellers, including ‘dhabas,’ must display the names of their owners.
The court has given the Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh governments time to file their responses to the pleas. The Supreme Court’s decision raises questions about the balance between ensuring public safety and respecting individual rights during religious events. The court’s concern over potential discrimination highlights the need for careful consideration of the impact of such directives on different communities.
