Supreme Court Halts Directive on ‘Nameplates’ for Kanwar Yatra Eateries Amid Strong Opposition

The Supreme Court has temporarily halted state directives requiring eateries along Kanwar Yatra routes to display owner names. Congress leader Pawan Khera calls the order unconstitutional and discriminatory. Hearings are set for July 26. Meanwhile, in Parliament, key bills including the Finance Bill will be discussed.

The Supreme Court has placed an interim stay on directives from some state governments mandating eateries on Kanwar Yatra routes to display the names of their owners. Congress leader Pawan Khera denounced the decision as unconstitutional and discriminatory against Dalits and Muslims.

Speaking with ANI, Khera stated, 'We had vehemently opposed this because this is anti-Constitutional. If I write my caste and my religion on my shop, then it is anti-Dalit, anti-tribal, anti-Muslims, and anti-minority. We oppose this.'

The bench, comprising Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti, issued notices to Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh. The court decreed that state police could not compel shopkeepers to display their names, only the types of food they serve. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on July 26.

Petitions challenging the directives were submitted by MP Mahua Moitra, the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, and several activists. Meanwhile, Khera addressed the Parliament Monsoon Session, focusing on issues like NEET and MSP, while expressing low expectations from the government. Several bills, including the Finance Bill and the Aircraft Act, are on the agenda for the session, which runs until August 12.

(With inputs from agencies.)