Speaking to TNIE, Dr. Kumar stated, “There will be no compromise on the quality of food served during the Kanwar Yatra. Knowing the identity of the person serving the food is crucial for trust and safety.”Adding to this, Tajbar Singh Jaggi, Additional Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration, warned, “Legal action will be taken against anyone operating a food business without a proper license or failing to display their identity as required.”The government is also using Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) methods to raise awareness among both the public and operators. This includes educating them on the importance of checking vendor identity, identifying pure food, understanding food regulations, and knowing consumer rights. Banners, posters, pamphlets, and social media are being utilised for this outreach.Notably, similar directives were issued by the governments of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and some other states in July last year as well, which the Supreme Court subsequently stayed.In July 2024, a bench of Supreme Court Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S.V.N. Bhatti issued notices to Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and other states where the Kanwar Yatra is observed. The Court, in its order, had clarified: “Food vendors, street hawkers, etc., can be asked to display the type of food being served to Kanwariyas, but they should not be compelled to disclose their names,” the bench stated.
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