Supreme Court Pauses UP’s Kanwar Yatra Nameplate Diktat

The Supreme Court of India has issued an interim order halting the Uttar Pradesh government’s directive that required shopkeepers along the Kanwar Yatra routes to display their names. This decision comes amidst concerns about the implications of the order and its impact on shop owners.

Background

The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Shiva, primarily observed in the northern states of India. It involves thousands of pilgrims, known as Kanwariyas, traveling to collect water from the Ganges River and offering it at local Shiva temples. The Yatra has grown significantly in recent years, prompting various administrative measures to ensure the safety and orderliness of the event.

The Controversial Directive

In a bid to maintain law and order, the Uttar Pradesh government, followed by Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh, issued a directive requiring all eateries along the Kanwar Yatra routes to display the names of their owners. The directive was criticized as being discriminatory and lacking legal backing. The move sparked a significant backlash from various quarters, including opposition parties and civil rights organizations.

Legal Challenge

The directive was challenged in the Supreme Court by an NGO, the Association of Protection of Civil Rights. The NGO argued that the order was issued without any legal authority and was aimed at targeting specific communities. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the NGO, termed the directive a “camouflage” for exclusion by identity and economic marginalization of small shop owners.

Supreme Court’s Interim Order

A bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti issued an interim order putting the directive on hold. The bench also issued notices to the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh to respond to the plea. The court emphasized that the focus should be on the kind of food served in the eateries rather than the identity of the owners.

Reactions and Implications

The directive had drawn criticism not only from opposition parties but also from some NDA allies, who labeled it as communal and divisive. They argued that the order was intended to target Muslims and Scheduled Castes by forcing them to reveal their identities. On the other hand, the BJP defended the move, citing law and order concerns and the need to respect the religious sentiments of the pilgrims.

The Supreme Court’s interim order brings temporary relief to the shop owners along the Kanwar Yatra routes. The broader implications of the directive and the court’s final decision on the matter will be closely watched. The case underscores the ongoing tension between administrative measures for public order and the protection of civil rights in a diverse and pluralistic society.