'Can't force anyone to disclose names': SC stay on kanwar yatra order to continue

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday extended its interim order, maintaining a stay on directives from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh state governments, that required eateries along the kanwar yatra route to display the names of their owners outside their shops.
"We've said what was needed to be said in our July 22 order. Can't force anyone to disclose names," Supreme Court said.
The stay order will remain in effect till August 5, the date for next hearing.
Earlier today, the Uttar Pradesh government has filed an affidavit in the top court opposing petitions challenging its directive. The affidavit said that the directive was issued to ensure a peaceful completion of the kanwar yatra and to promote greater transparency. On July 22, the Supreme Court issued an interim stay on the directives from the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments.
"It may be noted that the idea behind the directives is transparency and informed choice of the consumer/kanwaria regarding the food they eat during the period of the Yatra, keeping in mind their religious sentiments so that they don't, even accidently, fall foul of their beliefs," the UP government said.