Order of the Supreme Court of India regarding Kanwar Yatra in Uttar Pradesh, 16/07/2021

Order of the Supreme Court of India in the matter of 'Alarming newspaper report regarding Kanwar Yatra in state of Uttar Pradesh' dated 16/07/2021.

The state of Uttar Pradesh in its affidavit has said that the SDMA has decided that the officers would hold consultation and dialogue with the various Kanwar Sanghs of their respective areas and direct them not to move for religious reasons/yatras in the light of Covid-19.

"However, it was decided in case due to compelling religious reasons, if any person still wishes to undertake the yatra, then the person should apply for permission with the authorities through the relevant registered ‘Kanwar Sangh’ of the area," the affidavit by Uttar Pradesh through its Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary, Home Department said.

The SC pointed out that given the Covid pandemic and the fear that looms over all the citizens of India of a third wave of the pandemic - whether the authorities would be in a position to reconsider holding or the allowing, for compelling religious reasons, of this yatra in physical form at all.

The counsel for the state of Uttar Pradesh, asked for time to come out with an additional affidavit by July 19, 2021 to apprise this court " as to whether there can be a reconsideration of holding the physical Kanwar yatra at all."

The apex court said that the health of the citizens of India and their right to life are paramount and all other sentiments are subservient to this most basic fundamental right. The state of Uttarakhand has informed the court that the state has completely banned any physical form of the Kanwar Yatra on June 30, 2021.