On Monday, the Supreme Court issued an interim stay on the directives by the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments that required eatery owners along the Kanwar Yatra route to disclose the names of owners and staff.
The Supreme Court emphasized that food vendors should not be compelled to reveal the names of their owners or employees. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on July 26.
Supreme Court’s Interim Order on Food Sellers
The Supreme Court was responding to challenges from various NGOs, including the Association of Protection of Civil Rights, and TMC MP Mahua Moitra. Moitra’s plea argued that the directives exacerbate community tensions.
The petitioners’ counsel highlighted that the directives are problematic as they promote divisions by identifying minorities and subjecting them to potential economic boycotts. Senior advocate CU Singh, representing one of the petitioners, pointed out that many affected individuals are poor vegetable and tea stall owners who could face severe economic hardships. He also warned of possible bulldozer actions against non-compliant vendors.
The Supreme Court questioned the necessity of such directives, stating, “We deem it appropriate to pass an interim order prohibiting the enforcement of the above directives. In other words, food sellers may be required to display the kind of food, but must not be forced to display names of owners or staff.”
Understanding the Kanwar Yatra Controversy
The controversy began when Muzaffarnagar police issued an order requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of their owners. This order was later extended statewide by the Uttar Pradesh government. Similarly, the BJP-ruled Uttarakhand issued comparable directives. Additionally, the BJP-led Ujjain Municipal Corporation mandated shop owners to display their names and mobile numbers outside their establishments, with fines for non-compliance.
Ujjain Mayor Mukesh Tatwal stated that the order aimed to ensure safety and transparency, not to target any specific community. However, the Madhya Pradesh government clarified that it had not issued any such instructions for the Kanwar Yatra route within the state.
BJP’s Response
BJP spokesperson Jugal Kishore responded to the interim order by saying, “It is just an interim order. The government will present its viewpoint in court.”
The Supreme Court’s interim stay brings temporary relief to food vendors while the broader implications of these directives continue to be debated. The upcoming hearing on July 26 will be crucial in determining the future of these controversial mandates.
