The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has voiced its disappointment following the Supreme Court’s decision to grant an interim stay on directives requiring eateries along the kanwar yatra route to display owners’ names. The right-wing organization expressed concerns over the impact on the Hindu community and pilgrims, calling the decision “demotivating.”
In response to the interim stay issued on Monday, which also halted similar directives in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh pending further hearings, VHP Secretary General Bajrang Bagda emphasized the community’s sentiments and rights.
“The honourable Supreme Court’s decision has demotivated the Hindu community, Hindu pilgrims, and the kanwar yatris,” Bagda stated in a released statement.
The directives in question mandated eateries to disclose details including owners’ names and staff particulars along the kanwar yatra route. Bagda argued that these measures were intended to ensure that pilgrims could maintain their dietary practices in accordance with their religious beliefs, known as ‘satvik’ food.
“Over the past years, there have been incidents that have deeply hurt the sentiments of Hindu pilgrims, necessitating such directives,” Bagda explained, defending the initial rationale behind the government’s directives.
Looking ahead, the VHP expressed optimism that the Supreme Court would uphold the basic human and statutory rights of Hindu pilgrims and kanwar yatris in the upcoming hearings.
“We are confident that the honourable Supreme Court will understand and protect the rights of every community, including Hindu pilgrims and kanwar yatris, during the next hearing,” Bagda concluded.
The interim stay has sparked debate over religious freedoms and public compliance across pilgrimage routes, with stakeholders anticipating further judicial review on the matter.
