The Supreme Court on Friday extended its interim stay on the directives issued by Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh for eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route to display their owners’ names outside the shops.
A bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti, said it won’t issue any clarification on the previous order. “We have said what needed to be said in our July 22 order. Can’t force anyone to disclose names,” the bench said.
It has also clarified that it has not prevented anyone from voluntarily displaying the names of owners and staff and the stay was only against forcing anyone to do so.
The bench was hearing the petitions filed by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, TMC MP Mahua Moitra, Professor Apoorvanand and columnist Aakar Patel against the regulations issued by the state governments.
It has asked the Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments to file their response to the pleas challenging their respective directives. It allowed the petitioners to file their responses to the replies of the state governments and posted the matter on August 5.
Earlier today, the Uttar Pradesh government defended its directive, saying the idea was to bring in transparency, avoid “potential confusion” and ensure a peaceful yatra.
The state government, in its submission to the Supreme Court, explained that the directive was implemented to maintain peace during the Hindu pilgrimage. The directive was implemented after complaints from Kanwariyas, who reported confusion caused by the names of shops and eateries. Police authorities acted to address these concerns and ensure a smooth experience for the pilgrims.
“The directives issued by the State were passed in response to the complaints received from the Kanwariyas regarding confusion caused by the names of the shops and eateries. The police authorities, upon receiving such complaints, took action to address the concerns of the pilgrims and maintain law and order,” the state government said in its submission.
“The State has imposed no ban or prohibition on the trade or business of the food sellers (except the restriction on selling nonveg food), and they are free to conduct their business as usual. The requirement to display the names and identities of the owners is merely an additional measure to ensure transparency and avoid any potential confusion among the Kanwariyas,” it added.
The Supreme Court on July 22, ordered an interim stay on the directives issued by the Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh state governments making the display of owners’ name on eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route mandatory. The directive was stayed till July 26.
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