The Supreme Court issued a stay on the Uttar Pradesh Government’s directive requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners. The Court has also directed the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh to respond to petitions challenging this order.
The directive had sparked significant controversy and criticism. A plea filed by the NGO Association of Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) led to the court’s intervention. Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S.V.N. Bhatti observed that the Uttar Pradesh police had overstepped their authority by issuing this directive.
The Court has scheduled a hearing for July 26, underscoring that food vendors should not be forced to reveal the names of their owners or staff.
The directive provoked widespread backlash, notably from the Opposition Congress. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera questioned the motive behind the order, suggesting it might be aimed at economic discrimination against Muslims and Dalits. Khera remarked: “The order requires fruit and vegetable vendors, as well as restaurant and dhaba owners, to display their names. This could potentially be a move towards an economic boycott of Muslims or Dalits, or both. It raises concerns about who decides what is consumed and from whom.”
Even BJP allies have voiced concerns. Union Minister and RLD leader Jayant Chaudhary criticized the directive, stating it could undermine community harmony. He remarked: “The decision appears poorly thought-out and could damage mutual goodwill within the community.”
