The Uttar Pradesh government's recent order requiring food shops along the Kanwar Yatra routes to display nameplates has sparked significant controversy. Actor Sonu Sood joined the chorus of criticism by tweeting, "There should be only one nameplate on every shop: 'HUMANITY'." The order, defended by the BJP, has been labeled unconstitutional by many and has drawn strong reactions from opposition parties.
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav condemned the directive, calling it a "social crime" and urging the courts to take suo motu cognizance of the matter. Meanwhile, similar regulations have been enforced in Uttarakhand. The Kanwar Yatra, a significant pilgrimage, is set to begin on July 22, 2024, and end on August 19, coinciding with the month of Sawan and Raksha Bandhan.