The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to reconsider its decision to allow Kanwar Yatra amid the coronavirus pandemic, saying health of people is paramount.
During the hearing, the UP government said that it is not in favour of a total ban on Kanwar Yatra and will rather allow it in limited numbers subject to safety protocols.
“The health of the citizenry of India and their right to ‘life’ are paramount. All other sentiments, albeit religious, are subservient to this most basic fundamental right. We are giving you one more opportunity to reconsider holding the yatra physically, and apprise the court about your decision on Monday, otherwise, it will pass an order,” the top court told the Uttar Pradesh government
The Supreme Court also said, “This is a matter which concerns every one of us as citizens of India, and goes to the very heart of Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which has a pride of place in the fundamental rights Chapter of our Constitution.”
The UP government, in its affidavit, said that the officers shall 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 the Covid pandemic.
The UP government told the court it would allow a symbolic yatra and that only devotees who have been fully vaccinated could participate.
Meanwhile, the Central government in its affidavit in the Supreme Court stated that governments must not permit movement of Kanwariyas for bringing of ‘Ganga Jal’ from Haridwar in view of the pandemic. “However, this is an age-old custom and considering religious sentiments, states must develop a system to make holy Ganga jal available through tankers. States must ensure distribution of Ganga jal amongst devotees should follow social distancing, adhering to all protocols,” the Centre told the court.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court had said citizens were “perplexed” that UP had allowed the yatra at a time Prime Minister Narendra Modi and medical experts have warned against large gatherings and have urged people to follow social distancing and other Covid protocol.
The yatra had been cancelled last year, too, amid the first wave.
Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government has cancelled the Kanwar Yatra in view of a possible third wave.
Addressing the media, on Tuesday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “Kanwar Yatra is a matter of faith but God would not want people to lose their lives for the faith. Every life is precious.”