The Supreme Court on Wednesday took cognisance of the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to allow 'Kanwar Yatra' in the state in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A bench headed by Justice R F Nariman issued a notice to the state government and posted the matter for hearing on Friday. The court said citizens were "perplexed" by the yatra being allowed at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and medical experts have warned against large gatherings and urged people to maintain social distancing.
The Yogi Adityanath government on Tuesday allowed the yatra from July 25, despite concerns raised in various quarters over the risk posed by such events in triggering a possible third wave of Covid-19. UP officials have been asked to coordinate with neighbouring states to ensure Covid guidelines are followed.
Also watch: Uttar Pradesh allows Kanwar Yatra despite anxiety over third wave of Covid-19
Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government has cancelled the Kanwar Yatra this year. It is for the second consecutive year that the Kanwar Yatra is not being held due to the pandemic in BJP-ruled Uttarakhand.
Also watch: Uttarakhand govt cancels this year's Kanwar Yatra due to Covid
The fortnight-long Kanwar Yatra, which begins with the onset of the month of Shravan around July 25, goes on till the first week of August sees crores of 'Kanwariyas' travelling from different states to collect the holy waters of the Ganga.