Supreme Court Questions U.P.’s QR Code Rule for Kanwar Yatra Eateries

Swift Summary:

• The Supreme Court sought a response from the Uttar Pradesh government over a plea challenging its directive mandating QR codes on eateries along Kanwar Yatra routes,revealing the names and identities of owners.
• A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and N. Kotiswar Singh issued notice to the State government, posting the plea for hearing on July 22, 2025.
• Petitioners argued that requiring religious and caste identity disclosures breaches privacy rights,achieving discriminatory profiling similar to directives previously stayed by the court in BJP-ruled states like UP,Uttarakhand,and Madhya Pradesh.
• The Kanwar Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage during Shravan month where devotees carry holy Ganga water for rituals involving shivlings.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

This case highlights meaningful constitutional debates around privacy rights against state-mandated public disclosures tied to religious sentiments during events such as Kanwar Yatra. Uttar Pradesh’s directive could influence regulatory norms for businesses operating during religious festivals but raises concerns about alleged profiling based on religion or caste-a matter previously stayed by higher courts. Implications may include broader judicial scrutiny of privacy laws in India’s socio-political context. Upholding neutrality while harmonizing individual freedoms with faith-based practices remains critical.

Read more: The Hindu