The Uttar Pradesh government has staunchly defended its directive requiring shop owners along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their names. This directive, aimed at maintaining law and order, was challenged by multiple petitions. In a submission to the Supreme Court, the state government argued that the measure was necessary to ensure peace during the Hindu pilgrimage.
The government clarified that the directive was issued following complaints from Kanwariyas, the pilgrims of the Kanwar Yatra, who reported confusion due to the names of various shops and eateries. In response, police authorities acted to alleviate these concerns and facilitate a smooth pilgrimage experience.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had temporarily halted the enforcement of this directive. The Court stated that while food sellers may indicate the types of food they offer, they cannot be compelled to display their names. In its defense, the state government emphasized that there is no ban on food sellers, apart from a restriction on selling non-vegetarian items. The requirement to display shop owners’ names, the government argued, is intended to enhance transparency and prevent confusion among 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 explained in its submission.
The submission further stated, “The State has imposed no ban or prohibition on the trade or business of the food sellers (except the restriction on selling non-veg 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.”
The Supreme Court’s final decision on this matter remains pending, as both the petitioners and the state government await further hearings.
