'Can’t force anyone to disclose names': India's SC extends stay on BJP states' Kanwar Yatra directive

India's Supreme Court on Friday (July 26), extended its interim stay order dated July 22 on directives issued by BJP-ruled states - Uttar Pradesh,Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh, compelling eateries along the Kanwar Yatra routes to show the names of their owners andstaff outside their shops.

Earlier on Friday, the UP government defended its order in the court, saying that the directive was to ensure "transparency and informed choice of the consumer/Kanwaria regarding the food they eat during the period of the Yatra, keeping in mind their religious sentiments so that they don’t, even accidentally, fall foul of their beliefs."

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The bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S.V.N. Bhatti said that the court won't issue any clarification on the July 22 order. "We have said what needed to be said in our July 22 order. Can't force anyone to disclose names," the apex court said.

The stay order will be in effect till August 5, which is the next date of the hearing. Meanwhile, the Kanwar Yatra, which began onJuly 22, will end onAugust 6.

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Not discriminatory or restrictive at all

The Uttar Pradesh government filed an affidavit before the court to oppose the petitions against its directive on Friday.

“Kanwariyas follow a strict vegetarian, satvik diet, eschewing onion, garlic and all other tamasic foods,” said the UP government.

It also pointed out that “satvik food does not just mean the preparation of food without onions and garlic, but is also the manner of preparation of the food, similar to falhar during other festivals when fasting ceremonies are undertaken."

"The requirement of mere transparency, with prominent disclosures of the names of the operators of the eateries and the type of food they serve, is certainly not discriminatory or restrictive at all," it added.

The UP government said that its directives are “aimed at ensuring public safety and order during the Kanwar Yatra, given the large number of participants and the potential for communal tensions, it is imperative to take preventive measures that ensure a peaceful and harmonious pilgrimage. Past incidents have shown that misunderstandings regarding the type of food being sold have led to tensions and disturbances. The directives are a proactive measure to avoid such situations”.

The SCbench asked that the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand submit their responses to the petitions contesting their respective orders.

(With inputs from agencies)