SRINAGAR: The Supreme Court on Monday declined a plea to restrict the annual Amarnath Yatra due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
A Bench led by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said the court did not want to interfere in the issue which has to be solely dealt with by the local administration.
“We cannot enter the arena of the executive and district administration… We need to pay due respect to the separation of powers,” Justice Chandrachud observed.
The court was hearing a plea filed by Amarnath Barfani Langars Organisation for a direction to the Centre, Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Amarnath Shrine Board to cancel/restrict access of general public/devotees for the Amarnath Yatra this year amid the pandemic.
The petition said arrangements can be made to provide live darshan of the Lord through Internet and TV “so that crores across the country can have access”.
