Today(on 22nd July), Supreme Court Judge S.V.N. Bhatti shared a personal experience about dining at a Muslim-run vegetarian restaurant in Kerala. His comments were made during a hearing on directives from BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand requiring eateries along the Kanwar Yatra routes to display owner and staff names.
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NEW DELHI: In a notable remark highlighting the importance of hygiene and food safety in eateries, Today(on 22nd July), Supreme Court Judge SVN Bhatti shared a personal experience about frequenting a vegetarian restaurant run by a Muslim in Kerala. His comments came during a hearing on directives issued by BJP-ruled states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, which mandated eateries along the Kanwar Yatra routes to display the names of their owners and staff.
Justice Bhatti, sitting on a bench with Justice Hrishikesh Roy, narrated his experience while staying the directives from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. These directives required eateries to display information about their ownership and the type of food they serve, specifically whether they are vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
Justice Bhatti recounted-
“I have personal experience and knowledge from my time in Kerala. While I cannot speak openly as a sitting judge, I will mention that, without naming the city, there is a vegetarian restaurant run by a Hindu and another run by a Muslim.”
He further elaborated-
“As a judge in that state, I frequented the vegetarian restaurant run by a Muslim. The owner, who had returned from Dubai, adhered to international standards for safety, cleanliness, and hygiene, which influenced my choice to dine there.”
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Trinamool Congress (TMC) Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra, responded to Justice Bhatti’s anecdote by saying-
“You chose based on the menu card, not the name.”
The bench has issued a notice to the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh in response to multiple petitions challenging the directives. The petitions were filed by notable individuals including Moitra, academician Apoorvanand Jha, columnist Aakar Patel, and the NGO Association for Protection of Civil Rights.
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Justice Bhatti’s remarks underscore the critical role of food safety and hygiene standards in the hospitality industry, regardless of the owner’s background. His personal experience in Kerala serves as a testament to the universal appeal of maintaining high standards in food preparation and service, which can transcend religious and cultural boundaries.
The Supreme Court’s decision to stay the directives reflects the judiciary’s cautious approach in balancing regulatory measures with individual rights and the practical aspects of food service operations. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how food establishments are regulated in the context of religious and cultural considerations in India.
