Kanwar Yatra Nameplate Controversy: Supreme Court Stays UP Government Order
Supreme Court stays Kanwar Yatra nameplate order
TPN24 Desk 
New Delhi, July 23, 2024 - In a significant development, the Supreme Court has put a stay on the Uttar Pradesh government's order that required hotels along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners. The court's decision came after a hearing today, where it emphasized that shop owners only need to specify whether the food served is vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
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Key Points from the Hearing
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Supreme Court's Directive: The court stated that there is no need for shop owners to reveal their identities. Instead, they should only indicate the type of food being served, whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian. This direction aims to ensure clarity for customers without infringing on the privacy of the shop owners.
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States Involved: The Supreme Court has issued notices to the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh regarding this matter. These states are required to respond to the court's queries.
Petitioners and Legal Arguments
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NGO's Petition: The case was brought to the Supreme Court by the NGO, Association for Protection of Civil Rights. They challenged the UP government's order, arguing it was unnecessary and intrusive.
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Mahua Moitra's Involvement: TMC MP Mahua Moitra also filed a petition against the order, which is scheduled for a separate hearing.
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Arguments by Abhishek Manu Singhvi: Representing the petitioners, Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued that many purely vegetarian restaurants are run by Hindus but might employ Muslim staff. He questioned whether it was fair to avoid such establishments based on who prepares the food, highlighting the order's potential to foster discrimination.
Background and Reaction
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Muzaffarnagar Administration's Initial Order: The controversy began when Muzaffarnagar police ordered food establishments on the Kanwar Yatra route to display nameplates with the owner's name. This directive was intended to inform Kanwariyas (pilgrims) about the shop owners.
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Statewide Expansion and Backlash: Following this, the Uttar Pradesh government extended the directive statewide, causing widespread debate and opposition. The decision was criticized for promoting unnecessary divisions among communities.
Conclusion
Today's Supreme Court order is seen as a significant pushback against the Uttar Pradesh government's directive. It underscores the court's stance on maintaining privacy for business owners while ensuring transparency regarding food options for customers. The matter will continue to unfold as the involved state governments respond to the court's notice.
