New rules raise concerns of religious discrimination while receiving support from right-wing groups
Team Clarion
DEHRADUN— The Municipal Corporation of Haldwani in Uttarakhand has introduced a new regulation requiring all stall owners selling fruits, vegetables, and food items to display their names and identities. The new rules also require stall owners to register their businesses. Those from outside the city need police verification, while local shopkeepers must submit their Aadhaar cards.
The move has drawn a strong reaction, particularly from local Muslim organisations and residents. Muslim scholar Noor Ahmed Azhari expressed concerns about the intent behind the order, calling it a “political ploy to defame Muslims.” He added, “There is no problem in putting up nameplates, but this order is a deliberate attempt to target a specific community. It harms the secular fabric of our country.”
In response, Mayor Gajraj Singh Bisht defended the measure, asserting that the decision was meant to regulate the stalls on the streets and stop illegal business practices. “This step is necessary to ensure cleanliness, order, and the sale of quality goods. It will ultimately benefit the public,” said Bisht.
While local Muslim groups have criticised the new order as discriminatory, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has expressed its support. Ayodhya Mahant Sitaram Das backed the move, stating, “This decision was crucial because of recent reports where unclean practices were observed in edible commodities. It is necessary to know the identity of each shopkeeper to protect the public from being cheated.”
The move mirrors a similar order issued in Uttar Pradesh during the Kanwar Yatra last year, which mandated shopkeepers disclose their identities. However, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked that decision, and ruled it discriminatory and a violation of the right to carry out business freely.
The new regulations in Uttarakhand have led to a broader debate, with critics accusing the government of using the rules as a tool to economically marginalise Muslims. The government, on the other hand, insists that the goal is to maintain order and ensure transparency in business practices.
