Supreme Court asks UP government to reconsider its decision to allow Kanwar Yatra

New Delhi, July 16 : The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to inform it by July 19 on whether it would reconsider its decision to hold a “symbolic” Kanwar Yatra in the state, saying the right to life is paramount.

A bench of Justices RF Nariman and BR Gavai said it is of the prima face view that all kinds of sentiments are subservient to Article 21 of the Constitution. 

It said the “Uttar Pradesh government cannot be allowed to hold Kanwar Yatra in view of Covid”.

The top court’s direction came after the Uttar Pradesh government told the bench that it had decided after relevant discussions to hold a “symbolic” Kanwar Yatra with appropriate Covid restrictions.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta for the Centre told the top court that states would not be allowed to hold Kanwar Yatra in view of Covid and arrangements for the Ganga water should be made by tankers at specified places.

The counsel for Uttarakhand told the top court that it had by its notification decided to ban Kanwar Yatra for this year.