On 22 July 2024, the Supreme Court barred enforcement of contested directions requiring food sellers on the Kanwar route to display owners’ and employees’ names. The challenge followed a Muzaffarnagar police directive dated 17 July and similar measures in Uttarakhand. Petitioners argued that identifying people through names exposed Muslim businesses and workers to discrimination.
The court allowed authorities to require information about the food served, but prohibited compulsory disclosure of personal identities under the challenged directions. On 26 July, it continued the interim protection. Uttar Pradesh denied discrimination and said its measure sought informed food choices and prevention of conflict during the pilgrimage.
This entry records the 2024 interim orders and the competing positions. It does not treat temporary judicial protection as a final constitutional judgment, or automatically apply it to every later food-licensing or identification requirement. Any subsequent direction needs its own legal and factual check.