Muzaffarnagar Shop owners React Mixed to SC Stay on Name Display Directive for Kanwar Yatra

Eatery owners in Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh, began removing banners displaying their names on Monday, following the Supreme Court's interim stay on orders issued by the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments. The state governments had mandated that eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route display their owners' names. However, the Supreme Court granted an interim stay on this directive. Some eatery owners expressed relief at the stay, saying that the government's directive had adversely impacted their business. However, some shopkeepers and eatery owners voiced disappointment with the Supreme Court's decision, stating they had no issues with displaying their names outside their establishments. A large number of devotees travel from various places with 'kanwars' or pots, carrying holy water from the Ganga to perform 'jalabhishek' of Shivlings during the Hindu calendar month of Sawan. Many believers shun consuming meat during the month they consider holy.