SC to hear on July 22 plea against UP government order

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on Monday a plea filed by an NGO challenging the Uttar Pradesh government’s order requiring all shopkeepers and eatery owners to display their names and other details in areas where the Kanwar Yatra is organized.

According to the causelist, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice S V N Bhatti, will hear the plea from the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) on July 22.

The UP government issued directives on Friday mandating that shopkeepers and eatery owners display their names and other details on their establishments in all areas where the Kanwar Yatra is organized.

Following strong reactions from various quarters, the order was reviewed on Thursday, and it was decided that displaying names would be left to the discretion of the establishment owners.

The UP government clarified on Friday that the guidelines regarding the display of nameplates were intended to ensure the smooth conduct of the yatra and to maintain the sanctity of the pilgrims’ faith. Authorities also specified that action would be taken against those selling ‘halal-certified’ products.

The Kanwar Yatra is set to commence on July 22 with the start of the Hindu month of Shravan and will conclude on August 2.