The health of citizens of India and the right to life is paramount: Supreme Court asks UP government to reconsider its decision to allow Kanwar Yatra

The Centre in its affidavit has stated before the Supreme Court that states must not permit Kanwar Yatra to Haridwar in Uttarakhand and asked the state governments to  develop a system to make Gangajal available to devotees at nearby temples in view of Covid-19.

According to India Today, "The state governments must also ensure that this exercise of distribution of Gangajal amongst devotees and the rituals to be performed by such devotees in the nearby Shiv temples takes place mandatorily, ensuring social distancing, wearing of masks and adherence to all steps required for Covid-appropriate behaviour and Covid health protocols,” the Centre said in the affidavit.

Centre's response came after the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the UP government's decision to allow the Kanwar Yatra from July 25 amidst the pandemic and issued notice.

Also Read: Supreme Court issues notice to UP Government over its decision to allow Kanwar Yatra

The Supreme Court has meanwhile granted time to UP government to reconsider its decision in this regard. “The health of the citizenry of India and their right to “life” are paramount. All other sentiments, al beit religious, are subservient to this most basic fundamental right,” the bench said.

The bench added that It would be forced to pass an order if the UP government fails to reconsider its decision to hold the Kanwar Yatra.

Also Read: Pray from home; Hope God will allow Rath Yatra next year: SC denies permission for Rath Yatra across Odisha except at Puri.

Due to the possibility of a third wave, the Uttarakhand government has cancelled the Kanwar Yatra. Despite concerns raised about the possibility of triggering a possible third wave of pandemic, the UP government allowed the yatra to begin on July 25.

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