SC Gives Last Opportunity to UP to Reconsider Holding Kanwar Yatra, Says Right to Health is Paramount

The Supreme Court Friday gave one last opportunity to the Uttar Pradesh Government to reconsider its decision to hold the Kanwar Yatra in the midst of the threat of a third wave of the Covid19. It warned the state government that failing reconsideration, the court would have to pass the order.

A bench of Justices Rohinton Fali Nariman and BR Gavai said the purpose of taking suo motu cognisance of the matter was because the health of India’s citizens and the right to life was paramount.

The bench said all other sentiments whether they be religious were subservient to this basic fundamental right. It listed the matter for further hearing on Monday.

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: Supreme Court#KanwarYatra2021 #UttarPradesh pic.twitter.com/rRPGylPsAN

— The Leaflet (@TheLeaflet_in) July 16, 2021

This came after the UP government insisted on holding Kanwar Yatra in what it called a “symbolic” mode.

Appearing for the Central Government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, submitted that State Governments must not permit the movement of “Kanwariyas” for bringing “Gangajal” from Haridwar to the Shiv temples of their choice. However, a system may be developed to make ‘Gangajal’ available through tankers at identified places.

Senior Advocate CS Vaidyanathan, for the UP Government, submitted that the government was only holding a symbolic Kanwar Yatra, But the court said there was no question of holding a physical Kanwar Yatra.