July 23, 2025 - On Tuesday July 22, the Supreme Court advocated for the rights of consumers, saying customers have the right to know the ingredients used and the methods of preparation of food served in restaurants. They also have the right to know whether a restaurant previously served non-vegetarian food or not.

A Bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice NK Singh made this observation while hearing a petition challenging the Uttar Pradesh government's directive to place QR codes on shops along the Kanwar Yatra route. These QR codes, when scanned, reveal the shop owner's name.

Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the petitioner, objected to the government’s order, arguing that it promotes the boycott of minority-owned shops, even when they are serving purely vegetarian food.

The Bench noted, “Some people may find it uncomfortable to visit restaurants that serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.”

Singhvi argued, "Boycott can be based on the menu, not on the surname…. customers can ask for the menu card. These shops know it’s the Kanwar route and serve only pure vegetarian food during this time.”

The Bench asked, “Do they serve vegetarian food throughout the year?”, to which Sinhvi replied, “Only during the Yatra.”

Justice Sundresh remarked, “If restaurants change their offerings only during the Yatra, that could be problematic.”

The Bench further emphasised, “There should be a way for customers to know whether a restaurant previously served non-vegetarian food. Just turning vegetarian for the Yatra period doesn't change the perception. This is a matter of mindset.”

Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, said the directions were only in furtherance of a central law and regulations of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Justice Sundresh commented, “We won’t say anything further on that. Marx rightly said that religion is the opium of the people.”

Since Tuesday was the last day of the Kanwar Yatra, the Bench refused to go into the merits of the petition and disposed of it, saying that shops must comply with rules related to licenses and registration certificates.

Source: Media Reports