Kanwar Yatra Nameplate Dispute Reaches Supreme Court Again: Plea Filed to Halt 'Arbitrary Actions' by Hindu Groups

The Kanwar Yatra nameplate controversy has once again knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court. This time, the concern is not direct government orders but allegedly unauthorized actions being taken by certain Hindu organizations in states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh. A new application has been filed in the apex court, seeking immediate intervention and a halt to these activities ahead of the Kanwar Yatra scheduled to begin on July 11.

Background of the Dispute

In July 2024, the Uttar Pradesh government issued a controversial directive requiring all food vendors, shops, and dhabas along the Kanwar Yatra route to display nameplates with personal information, including the owner’s name, address, and mobile number. The move drew sharp criticism, with several petitioners challenging the order on constitutional grounds—particularly citing Article 19 (freedom of occupation) and Article 21 (right to privacy and dignity).

The Supreme Court, responding to these concerns, had put a temporary stay on the order on July 22, 2024. It ruled that while vendors may be required to list the food items they serve, compelling them to share personal information violates their right to privacy. The Court also issued notices to the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, seeking formal responses.

Current Situation in 2025

Although no fresh official directive has been issued by any state government this year, vigilante-style activities—such as forcing vendors to reveal their identities or display nameplates—have reportedly resumed. The petitioner, Mohammad Ahmed, represented by advocate Narendra Mishra, has approached the Supreme Court again under the same petition filed last year.

The petition demands:

• Immediate directions to the governments of UP, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh to stop such activities.

• Enforcement of the Court’s earlier order to prevent rights violations.

• Strict action against the organizations carrying out these checks and creating an atmosphere of fear.

Concerns Raised in the Petition

The plea argues that these activities are unconstitutional and pose a direct threat to fundamental rights. It cites:

• Violation of Article 19(1)(g) – the right to practice any profession or to carry on any occupation.

• Violation of Article 21 – the right to life and personal liberty, including the right to live with dignity.

Lawyer Narendra Mishra has said the matter will be mentioned before the Supreme Court on July 7, just days before the Kanwar Yatra begins. He emphasized that the situation is becoming increasingly tense, with reports of public harassment, physical assault, and identity policing by certain groups, while state authorities allegedly remain passive observers.

Why It Matters

The Kanwar Yatra, a massive annual pilgrimage of Lord Shiva devotees, sees millions of participants traveling across several northern Indian states. While the religious significance is undeniable, the freedom and safety of citizens, especially those engaged in trade and food services along the Yatra routes, is also critical.

This case presents a larger constitutional question about the limits of state and non-state actors in imposing identity-based compliance and the balance between religious sentiments and fundamental rights.