The US State Department reacted to the Kanwar Yatra directives in two BJP-ruled States, emphasising its engagement with Indian counterparts about the importance of equitable treatment for all religious communities.
During a press briefing, a Pakistani journalist raised the issue, alleging that the BJP Government was mandating Muslim restaurant owners to display their “Muslim names” at their establishments.
“We have seen those reports. We have also seen reports that the Indian Supreme Court on July 22 issued an interim stay on the implementation of those rules. So they’re not actually in effect,” stated US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
“Speaking generally, we are, as we always say, committed to promoting and protecting universal respect for the right of freedom of religion and belief for all anywhere in the world,” Miller added.
On Monday, the Supreme Court issued an interim stay on the directives by the two BJP-ruled States that required eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners and staff along with other details.
Additionally, the court issued notices to the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, where the Ujjain municipal body had issued a similar directive.
A Bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti suggested that eateries might be required to indicate whether they serve vegetarian or non-vegetarian food. Justice SVN Bhatti shared his personal experience, recounting how he frequented a Muslim-run vegetarian restaurant in Kerala due to its high standards.
“…Without disclosing the name of the city, there is a vegetarian hotel run by a Hindu. There is another vegetarian hotel run by a Muslim.
“As a judge of that State, I was going to the hotel run by a Muslim for vegetarian food. When it comes to food standard and safety, he was displaying everything. He had returned from Dubai. He was maintaining international standards with regard to safety, cleanliness, and hygiene. So it was my choice to go to that hotel,” Justice Bhatti remarked.
