Key insights
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1
Legal Challenge: The petitioners have filed a plea in the Supreme Court contending that the Uttarakhand High Court's order to shut down eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route is discriminatory and has been issued without considering the adverse impacts on local businesses and workers.
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2
Fundamental Rights Violation: The plea asserts that the High Court's directive violates Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Indian Constitution. The petitioners argue that the order unfairly targets specific communities and restricts their livelihood.
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3
Impact on Local Economy: The closure of eateries is likely to affect the local economy significantly, as these establishments provide essential services to both the Kanwariyas and the local population. The petitioners argue that the move will lead to substantial economic losses for small business owners.
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4
Safety and Religious Considerations: While the High Court's order aims to ensure the safety and sanctity of the Kanwar Yatra, the petitioners claim that the closure of eateries is an excessive and unnecessary measure that does not effectively address safety concerns.