India’s Supreme Court suspends controversial pilgrimage policy for restaurants due to religious discrimination – JURIST

India’s Supreme Court intervened on Monday to suspend Police guidelines in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand that required restaurants to publicly display the names of their owners. These Guidelineswhich was aimed at restaurants along the Hindu pilgrimage route Kanwar Yatra, had sparked criticism for possible discrimination against Muslims.

Initially issued The directions, issued by the Muzaffarnagar police commissioner on Thursday and extended nationwide on Friday, sparked controversy. The orders, issued in districts ruled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), were aimed at mitigating food conflicts during the pilgrimage, during which many pilgrims follow a vegetarian diet. Critics, including opposition leaders such as Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and civil rights groups, argues that the guidelines could promote community division and economically target Muslim businesses.

The groups challenged the guidelines constitutionally Grounds alleging a violation of Article 15(1) (discrimination), Article 21 (data protection), Article 19(1)(g) (freedom of business), Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of expression) and Article 14 (arbitrariness).

In response to numerous petitions challenging these guidelines, a bench of the Supreme Court headed by Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti issued an interim order staying the enforcement of these guidelines. The bench emphasized that while establishments may disclose what kind of food is served to pilgrims, they cannot be forced to reveal the personal or religious identity of their owners or employees.

Senior Advocate AM Singhvi, Speaking of argued during the proceedings: “The guidelines risk promoting discrimination and compromising constitutional values.” The court underlined the importance of upholding the constitutional rights to equality and non-discrimination.

The ruling comes amid an ongoing review of measures aimed at targeting India’s Muslim minority. Opponent Representatives of Modi’s BJP accused the government of exploiting religious sentiments for political purposes. Modi and his supporters denied these allegations.

The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage that attracts millions during the monsoon and passes through cities like Muzaffarnagar and Ghaziabad before ending in Delhi.

The reaction of the affected states and their police authorities in the run-up to the Kanwar Yatra, which passes through several states known for their religious significance, remains to be seen.