SC extends interim stay on directives for eateries

The Supreme Court extended its interim order staying directives issued by Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh that would have required eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display names of owners and staff.

The court’s decision came on Friday, as the annual pilgrimage, which began on July 22, continues until August 6.

A large number of devotees travel from various places with ‘kanwars’ carrying holy water from the Ganga to perform ‘jalabhishek’ of Shivlings during the Hindu calendar month of ‘Shravan’. Many believers shun consuming meat during the month they consider holy. Many don’t even consume meals containing onions and garlic.

A bench comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhatti stated that the interim order issued on July 22 would remain in effect. The court refused to issue any clarifications, saying that it cannot force anyone to disclose names.