UP Govt.’s QR Code Requirement for Kanwar Yatra Food Stalls Faces Legal Challenge in Supreme Court

Food stall owners along the Uttar Pradesh Kanwar Yatra route are facing a new requirement from the state government: displaying religious and caste identities through QR codes. This directive has now been challenged in the Supreme Court over privacy concerns.

Petition Argues QR Code Mandate Infringes on Privacy Rights

The petition argues that mandating stall owners to disclose their religious and caste identities as part of “lawful license requirements” infringes upon their fundamental right to privacy. Shopkeepers, dhaba owners, and restaurant owners along the pilgrimage route are affected by this new directive.

Concerns Raised Over Data Security and Potential Discrimination

The petition further raises concerns about the security of the collected data and the potential for discrimination based on the revealed information. It argues that such a requirement is excessive and unnecessary for licensing purposes.