The Uttar Pradesh governments defence of the Kanwar Yatra order in the Supreme Court is centred on the need to maintain public order and ensure peace during the annual pilgrimage. According to the sources, the state government has opposed challenging its directive requiring shops to display nameplates outside eateries on Kanwar Yatra route.The state government said that the directive was issued to ensure a peaceful and well-ordered pilgrimage.The Kanwar Yatra, a significant religious event for devotees of Lord Shiva, often sees large crowds travelling to various temples, which can sometimes lead to potential disruptions or conflicts.Heres what the affidavit says:In its affidavit, the UP government mentioned that the goal of the directive was to ensure that consumers/Kanwaria made an informed decision about the food they ate during the Yatra while also respecting their religious convictions. This would prevent them from unintentionally going against their beliefs. Such situations would lead to flare-ups where lakhs and crores of people are walking barefoot carrying holy water, affidavit of UP government stated.The orders were enforced simultaneously in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand.The affidavit was submitted in response to several petitions contesting the order given to store owners in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, by the Senior Superintendent of Police, asking them to post their names outside of their establishments during the Kanwar Yatra. The decision was made with law and order in mind, according to the police.However, on July 22, the Supreme Court temporarily halted State government orders requiring restaurants along the Kanwar Yatra route to post the names of their proprietors outside of their establishments.Notably, the apex court has also issued a directive to the Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments.
