Supreme Court appreciates Union & State Government for prompt response in its Suo Motu case concerning ‘Kanwar Yatra’
The Supreme Court today appreciated the prompt responses of Union of India and State Governments in dealing with the Conduct of Kanwar Yatra amid Covid 19.
A bench head by Justice RF Nariman was hearing its Suo Motu case concerning effectuating the Kanwar Yatra in light of Covid 19. It had taken note of the same amid news reports that the Yatra, set to commence on July 25, 2021 will take place.
The State of Uttar Pradesh has also been asked to reconsider its decision to go ahead with Kanwar Yatra amid the pandemic and Court has specified that the Right to life of Citizenry are over and above the Right to Religion.
While State of Uttarakhand has decided to completely do away with the Kanwar Yatra, State of UP had stated before Court that only a symbolic Yatra can be effectuated.
Court will now hear this case on Monday, July 19, 2021.
Union of India today submitted affidavit before the Supreme Court, in the matter of “Alarming Newspaper Report Regarding Kanwar Yatra in the State of UP”.
In view of the ongoing pandemic, State Government must not permit “Kanwariyas” for bringing “Gangajal” from Haridwar to the Shiv Temples of their Choice, however, considering age-old customs and religious sentiments, they must devise some mechanism to make holy “Gangajal” available through Tankers at designated locations, says the Affidavit by Centre.
Disturbed after a headline in the “Indian Express” about the “Kanwar Yatra” which is likely to be held from July 25, 2021, the Supreme Court on Wednesday took Suo Moto cognizance of the newspaper report.
Bench of Justice RF Nariman and Justice BR Gavai had issued notice to the Union of India and the States of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to file their response by July 16, 2021.
The Court further took note of the Prime Minister’s statement when he met the North-Eastern Chief Ministers that when people ask about the third wave of the Covid-19 virus striking the citizenry of India, it’s upto us to stop it and we cannot compromise “even a bit”.
“Given the disparate political voices, all speaking at the same time, it is important that the relevant Secretary, Union of India, respond to this news report,” the Court further added.
The development came amid the decision of the State of Uttar Pradesh to go ahead with the kanwar yatra whereas amid fears of a possible third wave of CoVID 19, the Uttarakhand Government on July 13, 2021 had suspended the kanwar yatra.
Case Title: Re Alarming Newspaper Report Regarding Kanwar Yatra In State Of U.P.| SMW (C) No. 5 OF 2021