SC on Eatery Rules Along Kanwar Yatra Route
Why in News?
- The Supreme Court addressed a plea challenging a requirement for eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display QR codes, owner names, and registration details.
- Petitioners argued the rule could alienate certain communities and affect freedom of choice and livelihood.
Key Highlights from the Hearing
➤ Freedom of Consumer Choice
- Justice Sundresh: “The consumer is the king.”
- The court emphasized the right of Kanwariyas to choose where and what to eat.
- Raised concerns over eateries changing menus (from non-veg to veg) during yatra for business gains.
- Stressed on transparency for consumers to make informed decisions.
➤ Food Habits and Alienation
- Referred to Karl Marx’s quote: “Religion is the opium of the people.”
- Court observed how food habits can alienate groups and must be handled with care and sensitivity to diversity.
➤ Petitioners’ Arguments
- Senior Advocates A.M. Singhvi & Huzefa Ahmadi:
- State actions may ostracize minority-run establishments.
- Owner identity has no link to food served; disclosure could foster identity politics.
- Choice must not become a tool for exclusion or surveillance.
➤ States’ Justification
- Cited central laws requiring food license display for health and safety.
- Argued that it’s about public health and transparency, not discrimination.
Constitutional & Ethical Dimensions
➤ Article 19 – Freedom of Occupation & Trade
- Mandating QR codes and names could be seen as restrictions on business freedom, unless justified reasonably.
➤ Article 21 – Right to Privacy
- Naming owners and employees publicly could violate privacy without compelling public interest.
➤ Ethics: Balancing Rights
- Consumer autonomy vs. minority rights.
- Transparency vs. discrimination.
- Ethical governance must avoid ulterior motives in regulation.
Current Status
- Court observed that Tuesday marked the end of the Kanwar Yatra.
- Hence, chose not to deliver a judgment, but stressed the need for an equitable approach without hurting sentiments.
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