Supreme Court Issues Notice to UP Government Over QR Code Mandate for Kanwar Yatra Eateries

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi:The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government in response to petitions challenging its directive that shopkeepers along the Kanwar Yatra route must display QR codes at their establishments. These QR codes, when scanned, reveal the names of the shop owners.

The court’s notice comes amid growing concerns over the potential infringement of privacy and selective targeting of certain communities. Petitioners have argued that the move could lead to profiling and discrimination, especially when implemented during a religious procession.

The Uttar Pradesh government had earlier directed shopkeepers to display these QR codes as a measure to enhance security and transparency along the pilgrimage route. Officials said the QR code system was aimed at assisting law enforcement in identifying and tracking vendors in case of any untoward incidents during the Kanwar Yatra.