Dynamite News SC disapproves of UP's 'symbolic Kanwar Yatra', asks it to reconsider decision
The Supreme Court on Friday granted one last opportunity to the Uttar Pradesh government to reconsider its decision of holding "symbolic Kanwar Yatra" amid the COVID-19 pandemic while stressing that the health of the citizens of India and the right to life is paramount.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday granted one last opportunity to the Uttar Pradesh government to reconsider its decision of holding "symbolic Kanwar Yatra" amid the COVID-19 pandemic while stressing that the health of the citizens of India and the right to life is paramount.
A Bench headed by Justice Rohinton F Nariman gave an ultimatum to the Uttar Pradesh government to either "reconsider" its decision or the court will pass orders on Monday.
"We are of prima facie view that it concerns all of us and is at the heart of the Fundamental Right to Life. The health of citizenry of India and Right to Life is paramount, all other sentiments whether being religious is subservient to this basic fundamental right," Justice Nariman told counsel appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government.
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"State of UP cannot go ahead with this. 100 per cent", Justice Nariman added.
Senior advocate CS Vaidyanathan appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government told the Bench that authorities will be apprised of the apex court's views. "We will inform the court as to whether there can be a reconsideration of holding a physical Kanwar Yatra amid COVID-19," Vaidyanathan said.
During the hearing, Vaidyanathan said, "Total ban is not practical. We have allowed the Kanwar Yatra in a symbolic manner, with a limited number of devotees under stringent conditions."
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"We are only planning to allow only a few people. State Disaster Management Authority deliberated upon this and stated that for compelling religious reasons if someone wants to undertake the Kanwar Yatra, they should seek permission and they should have negative RT-PCR test and be fully vaccinated," Vaidyanathan said.
Vaidyanathan further added that the Uttar Pradesh government has decided that a total ban will be inappropriate thus the State Disaster Management Authority thought to conduct it in a symbolic manner and an option be given to 'Kanwariyas' where Ganga Jal be made available through tankers.(PTI)