Uttar Pradesh govt cancels this year Kanwar Yatra
Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday decided to cancel this year’s Kanwar Yatra amid the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
The Supreme Court had asked the Uttar Pradesh government to tell by July 19 whether it would reconsider its decision to organize the ‘symbolic’ Kanwar Yatra in the state, saying the right to life is of paramount importance. A bench of Justices RF Nariman and BR Gavai said that it is prima facie that all kinds of feelings are subject to Article 21 of the Constitution.
The apex court’s direction comes after the Uttar Pradesh government told the bench that it has decided to organize a ‘symbolic’ Kanwar Yatra after relevant discussions with appropriate COVID restrictions.
The Center has said that the state governments should not allow Kanwar Yatra in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation. The government, in its affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, said that the movement of kanwariyas should not be allowed to bring ‘Ganga water’ from Haridwar.
However, the government suggested that keeping the religious sentiments in mind, the states should develop a system to provide ‘Ganga Jal’ through tankers at designated places.
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