US State Department Comments on Indian Supreme Court’s Stay on Kanwar Yatra Nameplates
Washington, DC [US], July 25: The US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that the Indian Supreme Court issued an interim stay on the implementation of ‘nameplates’ on eateries in Kanwar Yatra routes, so they are not actually in effect.
Responding to a Pakistani journalist’s question about the ‘nameplates in Kanwar Yatra’, the US State Department spokesperson said on Wednesday (local time) that they had seen the reports. ‘We have seen those reports. We have also seen reports that the Indian Supreme Court on July 22 issued an interim stay on the implementation of those rules. So they’re not actually in effect,’ Miller said.
Further, he emphasized that the US has engaged with its Indian counterparts on the importance of equal treatment for members of all religions. ‘Speaking generally, we are always committed to promoting and protecting universal respect for the right of freedom of religion and belief for all anywhere in the world. And we have engaged with our Indian counterparts on the importance of equal treatment for members of all religions…,’ he said.
Notably, the Supreme Court on Monday put an interim stay on directives issued by the authorities of certain state governments that eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route should display the names of the owners outside such shops. The top court was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the directive issued by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Muzaffarnagar, in Uttar Pradesh, to shop owners to display their names outside shops during the Kanwar Yatra season. The police had said that the decision was in the interest of law and order. The directive was reportedly enforced across many districts of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh also came up with similar directives. Last week, the Uttar Pradesh government asked the food and beverage shops along Kanwar Yatra routes to display the name and identity of the operator/owner of their establishments.
Doubts Revealed
US State Department -: The US State Department is a part of the United States government that deals with foreign affairs and relationships with other countries.
Matthew Miller -: Matthew Miller is a spokesperson for the US State Department, meaning he talks to the public and the media on behalf of the department.
Indian Supreme Court -: The Indian Supreme Court is the highest court in India. It makes important decisions about laws and justice in the country.
interim stay -: An interim stay is a temporary pause or stop on a decision or action until a final decision is made.
nameplates -: Nameplates are signs that show the name of the owner or the business. In this case, they were supposed to be put on eateries.
Kanwar Yatra -: Kanwar Yatra is a religious pilgrimage in India where devotees of Lord Shiva travel to collect holy water from the Ganges River.
equal treatment for all religions -: Equal treatment for all religions means that people of all faiths should be treated fairly and without discrimination.
Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh -: These are states in India. Each state has its own government and rules.
eateries -: Eateries are places where people can buy and eat food, like restaurants or food stalls.
religious freedom -: Religious freedom means that people can follow any religion they choose without being treated unfairly.
