UP Government Defends Directives for Eateries Along Kanwar Yatra Route

The Uttar Pradesh government has defended its directive requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners and staff. The directive aims to ensure transparency and prevent potential confusion. The Supreme Court has temporarily stayed the directive while hearing multiple pleas challenging it.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Friday defended its directive requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners and staff, asserting that the move aims to bring transparency, avoid confusion, and ensure a peaceful yatra.

On July 22, the Supreme Court ordered a temporary stay on the directives issued by the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments. The state clarified that the objective behind the directive is to provide transparency and inform Kanwariyas about the food they consume, considering their religious sentiments.

The opposition argued that the directives foster religious discrimination. However, the UP government assured the court that the directive is a preventive measure to avoid any misunderstanding and disturbances during the Kanwar Yatra, which sees participation from over 4 crore devotees annually. The Supreme Court is reviewing the case based on various petitions.