Supreme Court Questions UP Directive on QR Codes for Kanwar Yatra Eateries
The Supreme Court has sought a response from the Uttar Pradesh government regarding its directive for eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display QR codes revealing owners' names and identities. A petition argues this measure facilitates discriminatory profiling and breaches privacy, echoing similar directives stayed by the court last year. The plea contends that mandating the display of religious and caste identities is discriminatory. The court has scheduled the next hearing for July 22.
Unpacked:
The Kanwar Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage during the month of Shravan, where devotees carry water from the Ganga River to offer at Shiva temples. It sees participation from millions of devotees across northern India. The event is significant religiously and culturally, leading to large gatherings and special arrangements along dedicated routes.
The Uttar Pradesh government claims the QR code directive aims to help pilgrims access information about food vendors’ identities, likely to ensure adherence to dietary preferences—such as serving strictly vegetarian, 'satvik' food—during the pilgrimage. Officials argue it helps devotees make informed choices along the Kanwar Yatra route.
Petitioners argue that mandating public disclosure of owners’ names and identities could lead to discriminatory profiling based on religion or caste, violate privacy rights, and potentially incite vigilantism or violence. They contend similar directives were previously stayed by the Supreme Court due to risks of misuse and increased surveillance.
Yes, last year the Supreme Court stayed similar mandates in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, there have been incidents, such as during a religious campaign, where individuals were forced to reveal their religious identity, which led to concerns over privacy, discrimination, and potential for mob violence.