Today, On 24th July, A recent plea in the Allahabad High Court challenges the closure of meat shops in Varanasi, implemented during the Kanwar Yatra. The municipal authorities defended their decision, explaining that it aimed to prevent any inconvenience for the Kanwariyas.
Prayagraj: A petition submitted to the Allahabad High Court on Wednesday, contesting the Varanasi Municipal Corporation‘s recent directive to close meat shops along the Kanwar Yatra route during the month of Sawan.
The National Loktantrik Party, which filed the petition, requested an urgent hearing on the matter.
The plea argued,
“The aforementioned directives not only violate the fundamental freedom to pursue any occupation, trade, or business as guaranteed under Article 19(1)(g) but also infringe upon the fundamental right to life with dignity and personal liberty as ensured under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution,”
According to the plea, the tradition of Kanwariya during ‘Sawan’ is a longstanding practice during which meat shops have historically remained open.
The plea argued that the authorities, by issuing such directives, are attempting to create exclusion based on identity.
The party stated in the plea,
“The authorities issued this directive without considering that it would impact the livelihoods of shopkeepers. The earnings from these shops are the primary means of livelihood for the owners. The closure of businesses on the grounds of selling non-vegetarian items is unreasonable, violates their fundamental right to conduct their trade or business, and creates unlawful discrimination without sufficient cause for targeting meat shops,”
The petition also claimed that such a decision infringes upon the fundamental right to individual liberty and choice of food, as it restricts those who wish to consume meat or those for whom non-vegetarian food is medically prescribed.
Many of these shops may be rented, and sudden closures would adversely affect them.
The plea noted that these meat shops are predominantly owned by people of the Muslim faith.
Municipal body took the decision to ensure that Kanwariyas do not face any issues during their yatra. The report also mentioned that there are 96 meat shops along the Kanwar Yatra route.
Read Also: SC Verdict on Kanwar Yatra| “Unconstitutional Order”: TMC MP Mahua Moitra
This challenge comes shortly after the Supreme Court stayed a directive from the Uttar Pradesh Police, which required shop owners and hawkers to display their names outside their establishments during the Kanwar Yatra season.
The Court stated in its order,
“The food sellers, including dhaba owners, restaurants, food and vegetable vendors, hawkers, etc., may be required to display the type of food they are serving to the Kanwariyas. However, they must not be compelled to display the name/identity of the owners and employees working in their respective establishments,”
The National Loktantrik Party will be represented by advocates Kuldeep Rai, Pritam Basu, and Alok Mishra.