Supreme Court

2024 - 7 - 22

Supreme Court to Food Vendors: Keep Your Name to Yourself during Kanwar Yatra!

IIT Delhi - Kanwar Yatra - Legal rulings - NEET-UG - Student welfare - Supreme Court - Uttar Pradesh - Uttarakhand - neet 2024 - neet ug

In a dramatic twist, the Supreme Court has pressed pause on a controversial Kanwar Yatra directive. What’s cooking with the eateries along the route? Let’s dive in!

The Supreme Court of India has recently intervened in a contentious issue surrounding the Kanwar Yatra, a significant pilgrimage in Uttar Pradesh that witnesses a massive influx of devotees and vendors alike. The apex court issued an interim order that pauses a directive compelling eateries along the Kanwar Yatra routes to display the identities and details of their food offerings. This decision has been met with relief from many shop owners who were apprehensive about the legal implications of the state order enforced by the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments.

Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, criticized the directive, highlighting that it could lead to undue pressure on shop owners. The concern was primarily about how the directive could stigmatize eateries based on the food they serve, especially considering the vast array of dietary preferences that accompany a pilgrimage of this magnitude. A senior advocate, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, fiercely argued against the order, labeling it as a legal overreach and a form of camouflage that lacked proper authority.

In addition to the Kanwar Yatra proceedings, the Supreme Court is also embroiled in matters concerning the NEET-UG 2024 exam, a significant academic hurdle for aspiring medical students across India. The court has requested IIT Delhi’s insights into a specific question posed during the exam, which has raised concerns among students regarding the fairness and transparency of the assessment process. This ongoing case reflects the intensity of scrutiny faced by educational authorities and their crucial role in sustaining the integrity of national examinations.

As the Supreme Court continues to delicately balance these high-stakes matters, this momentous pause on the Kanwar Yatra nameplate ruling serves as a testament to the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to uphold individual freedoms and fair practices. Pilgrimages like the Kanwar Yatra are not just cultural events but undergo serious legal scrutiny that underscores the complexities of governance in India.

Fun fact: Did you know that the Kanwar Yatra attracts over 5 million devotees annually? It involves walking long distances while carrying sacred water from the Ganges River! While on the topic of education, the NEET-UG exam sees participation from over 1 million students every year, all vying for a limited number of medical college seats. Both these events showcase the spirit and challenges faced by individuals in India as they navigate faith and academia in a rapidly changing social landscape.

Post cover — Image courtesy of "India Today"

Supreme Court

Supreme Court to Food Vendors: Keep Your Name to Yourself during Kanwar Yatra!

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