SC: UP government told why it implemented the order of nameplates on Kanwar route, affidavit in Supreme Court

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court, in which the UP government has defended its order to put up nameplates on shops during the Kanwar Yatra. The UP government has said in its affidavit that its guidelines were given to ensure the peaceful completion of the Kanwar Yatra and to maintain transparency.

The Uttar Pradesh government explained why the order of nameplates was implemented.

The Uttar Pradesh government said that the purpose behind the directive was to maintain transparency during the Kanwar Yatra and to give information to consumers/Kanwariyas about the food they eat during the journey. These instructions were given keeping in mind the religious sentiments of the Kanwariyas so that they do not accidentally eat something that is against their beliefs. The Uttar Pradesh government said that the state government has not imposed any ban or prohibition on the trade or business of food vendors (except the ban on selling non-vegetarian food), and they are free to carry on their business normally. "The requirement to display the name and identity of the owners is merely an additional measure to ensure transparency and to avoid any possible confusion among the Kanwariyas," the affidavit said.