UP Govt Defends Controversial Kanwar Order Before Supreme Court Claiming It Was To Ensure Peace

New Delhi: In its submission to the Supreme Court, the Uttar Pradesh government has firmly opposed defended its directive requiring shop owners along the Kanwar Yatra route to display their names prominently.

The UP government claimed that the directive was issued to ensure a peaceful and orderly pilgrimage. The UP government added that the directive was issued in response to complaints received from Kanwariyas regarding confusion caused by the names of the shops and eateries.

The Uttar Pradesh government claimed that Kanwariyas had. allegedly raised concerns about the food being served along the route, which led to apprehensions regarding its preparation in line with religious practices.

The opposition has targetted the government calling the directive ‘anti-muslim’ and aimed at creating divisions within the society.

The Kanwar Yatra, an annual pilgrimage where devotees of Lord Shiva, known as Kanwariyas, travel to fetch holy water from the holy rivers including the Ganges.

Kanwar Yatra started on July 22, on the the first Monday of ‘Sawan’.