SC asks Uttar Pradesh government to reconsider its decision to allow Kanwar Yatra 2021
In view of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Supreme Court on Friday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to reconsider its decision to allow Kanwar Yatra 2021.
The top court has asked the Uttar Pradesh government to apprise the court about its decision on Monday, otherwise, it will pass an order.
Also Read | Punjab: Captain Amarinder Singh’s media advisor issues clarification on CM’s resignation
Meanwhile, the Centre filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court stating that the State governments must not permit the movement of Kanwariyas for bringing 'Ganga Jal' from Haridwar in view of COVID-19.
Also Read | Navjot Singh Sidhu threatens Captain Amarinder Singh of mass resignations: Sources
However, considering the religious sentiments for Kanwar Yatra 2021, the State governments must develop a system to make 'Ganga Jal' available via tankers at designated locations.
The Centre further stated that tankers would be available at identified or designated locations so that nearby devotees can collect such 'Ganga Jal' and do 'Abhishek' at their nearest Shiv temples.
It also told the SC that the state governments must ensure that distribution of 'Ganga Jal' among devotees and rituals by such devotees in the nearby Shiv Temples take place while mandatorily ensuring social distancing, wearing masks and adhering to all steps required during coronavirus pandemic.
Also, the Supreme Court said that it was of prima facie view that "it concerns all of us and is at the heart of the fundamental right to life."
"The health of citizens of India and right to life is paramount, all other sentiments whether being religious is subservient to this basic fundamental right," it stated.
-PTC News
