Reconsider decision to allow Kanwar Yatra, right to life is paramount, SC tells Uttar Pradesh

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to reconsider its decision to allow the Kanwar Yatra amid the coronavirus crisis, Live Law reported.

The pilgrimage is undertaken by devotees of Hindu deity Shiva. They collect water, usually from the river Ganga, and offer it at Shiva temples in their respective states. These devotees, called Kanwariyas, cover hundreds of kilometres on foot.

“The health of citizenry of India and right to life is paramount, all other sentiments whether be religious is subservient to this basic fundamental right”, the bench led by Justice RF Nariman said.

Senior advocate CS Vaidyanathan, representing Uttar Pradesh, told the court that a total ban on the pilgrimage was not practical. “We have allowed the yatra in a symbolic manner, with limited number of devotees under stringent conditions,” he added.

The court, however, rejected his submissions. “Either we pass the orders directly or give you one more opportunity to reconsider holding yatra physically,” it said. “The pandemic affects all of us. We are all citizens of India. This suo moto case is taken because Article 21 [right to life] applies to all of us. It is to safeguard all of us”.

Earlier in the day, the Centre told the Supreme Court that states must not allow the movement…

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