SC to Hear Petition Against UP’s Directive on Kanwar Yatra Food Vendors

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 22nd July. The Supreme Court of India will hear a petition on July 22 challenging the Uttar Pradesh government’s directive requiring eateries on the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners and employees.

The Association for Protection of Civil Rights filed the petition on July 20, seeking the cancellation of the order, which has faced criticism for fostering division and discrimination, particularly against Muslim vendors.

Background of the Controversy

The controversy began when Muzaffarnagar police issued a directive mandating that food vendors along the Kanwar Yatra route display their names as a measure for maintaining law and order. The directive sparked significant backlash, leading to an update making the name display voluntary.

Despite this, the Uttar Pradesh government extended the order statewide, drawing criticism from opposition leaders and some NDA allies, including Union Food Processing and Industries Minister Chirag Paswan.

Paswan voiced his opposition to the directive, stating, “I will absolutely never support or encourage any divide in the name of caste or religion.” He emphasized that such measures are counterproductive and do not align with the values of an educated and inclusive society.

The Supreme Court’s consideration of the petition is expected to address the legal and constitutional implications of the directive and its impact on minority communities.