The Uttar Pradesh government strongly defended its directive requiring owners of eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their names, in the Supreme Court. The state administration challenged the petitions contesting the order, arguing that it was given to facilitate a peaceful and orderly pilgrimage and prevent any accidental hurt to the religious feelings of Kanwariyas, in a submission made to the highest court on 25th July.
The Yogi Adityanath administration stated, “It may be noted that the idea behind the directives is transparency and informed choice of the consumer/Kanwaria regarding the food they eat during the period of the Yatra, keeping in mind their religious sentiments so that they don’t, even accidentally, fall foul of their beliefs. Such situations would lead to flare-ups where lakhs and crores of people are walking barefoot carrying holy water.”
The state government provided the Supreme Court with a comprehensive petition in which it noted that the order was issued in response to complaints from Kanwariyas regarding the confusion caused by the names of the eateries and shops. Moreover, the affidavit pointed out unequivocally that these instructions are not discriminatory because they apply to all food vendors along the Kanwar Yatra path, regardless of their ethnic or religious affiliation.
It conveyed, “The directives are also aimed at ensuring public safety and order during the Kanwar Yatra, given the large number of participants and the potential for communal tensions, it is imperative to take preventive measures that ensure a peaceful and harmonious pilgrimage. Past incidents have shown that misunderstandings regarding the type of food being sold have led to tensions and disturbances. The directives are a proactive measure to avoid such situations.”
The state government further stated that shops are “free to conduct their business as usual” and that the order has no restrictions on the selling of non-vegetarian food. The requirement to list the identities of owners is “just an extra precaution” to maintain openness and prevent any misunderstandings. The authorities also mentioned that Kanwariyas’ religious feelings could be harmed by even slight misconceptions about the type of food they are served and it could result in tense situations, particularly in a communally vulnerable region such as Muzaffarnagar. the state arrested, “It is imperative to take preventive measures that ensure a peaceful and harmonious pilgrimage.”
Furthermore, the government has justified its orders by maintaining that they are in line with the fundamental responsibilities of citizenship as stated in Article 51A of the Constitution, which obliges all Indian citizens to foster unity and a sense of fraternity. The instructions promote peace, a sense of fraternity, and harmonious cohabitation by guaranteeing that the religious beliefs of the Kanwariyas be honoured.
On 22nd July, the Uttar Pradesh government issued an order mandating that the names of the proprietors of eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route be displayed. The rule was put into effect following complaints from some Kanwariyas regarding confusion caused by store and eatery names. Pilgrims had reportedly voiced reservations about the food that was being served along the way, and the authorities acted to ensure a smooth experience for the pilgrims. However, the Supreme Court issued an interim ruling over the decree and stayed it until 26th July.
