SC Orders Hotel Owners on Kanwar Yatra Route to Display Licences

Quick Summary

• Event: On July 22, 2025, the Supreme Court directed hotel owners along the Kanwar Yatra route in Uttar pradesh and Uttarakhand to display their licences and registration certificates under statutory requirements.
• Context: the Kanwar Yatra involves devotees carrying holy water from rivers to perform rituals during the Hindu month of ‘Shravan.’
• Supreme Court’s Decision: The bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and N. Kotiswar Singh refrained from addressing directives like displaying QR codes on eateries or revealing owner details as it was already the last day of the yatra.
• Petition Details: A plea filed by academician Apoorvanand Jha questioned state mandates that could lead to religious or caste-based profiling through QR codes. Petitioners claimed such measures violate privacy rights.
• Previous Action: Last year, similar directives by governments were stayed by the court.
• Cultural Context: During this period, many devotees avoid meat and foods containing onion and garlic.

indian Opinion Analysis

The Supreme Court’s decision emphasizes compliance with statutory regulations without delving into potential discriminatory profiling concerns raised over QR code mandates. While lawful adherence strengthens transparency among businesses servicing pilgrims during culturally meaningful events like the Kanwar Yatra, questions about privacy infringement warrant careful consideration in broader discussions about regulation frameworks for public spaces.

This issue highlights a complex balance between facilitating faith-driven gatherings respectfully while safeguarding constitutional rights such as privacy and non-discrimination for all stakeholders involved-devotees, service providers, and authorities alike.

Image Source:

1. ‘Kanwariyas’ carry water from River Narmada (Photo Credit: PTI)
2. Additional images courtesy of the Hindu

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