Supreme Court Maintains Interim Stay on BJP States' Directive for Kanwar Yatra Eateries

The Supreme Court has continued its interim stay on directives by Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh asking eateries along Kanwar Yatra routes to display names of owners and staff. States are to respond by August 5, while Uttar Pradesh defended its move as a measure for transparency.

The Supreme Court on Friday upheld its interim order from July 22, which blocks directives by the BJP-governed states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra routes to list their owners' and staff's names publicly.

A judicial bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhatti confirmed that no additional clarification on the July 22 order would be issued, reinforcing their stance that disclosing names could not be mandated.

The bench has tasked the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand with filing their responses to the petitions that challenge their respective directives by August 5. The Uttar Pradesh government, meanwhile, defended its directive by emphasizing its intent to enhance transparency, prevent confusion, and ensure the peaceful conduct of the yatra.

(With inputs from agencies.)