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Union of India today submitted affidavit before the Supreme Court, in the matter of “Alarming Newspaper Report Regarding Kanwar Yatra in the State of UP”.

In view of the ongoing pandemic, State Government must not permit “Kanwariyas” for bringing “Gangajal” from Haridwar to the Shiv Temples of their Choice, however, considering age-old customs and religious sentiments, they must devise some mechanism to make holy “Gangajal” available through Tankers at designated locations, says the Affidavit by Centre.

A Division Bench of Justice RF Nariman and Justice BR Gavai, while hearing the matter today, said,

"All other Sentiments including religious, are subservient to Right to Life of the citizens"

It is also the suggestion of the Centre that the State Governments ensure this distribution of Gangajal in the nearby Shiv Temples, with strict adherence to COVID 19 protocol, wearing masks and complying with Social Distancing.

Earlier, Court had issued notice to the Centre, State of UP and State of Uttarakhand on the present subject matter.

This development came after State of UP decided to go ahead with the kanwar yatra amid fears of a possible third wave.  

Uttarakhand Government on July 13, 2021 had suspended the Kanwar yatra.