Supreme Court to Hear Petition on QR Code Directive

The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a petition on July 15 that challenges the Uttar Pradesh government’s directive mandating QR code displays at businesses along the Kanwar Yatra route. The directive requires shop owners to display QR codes revealing their identities, a move that has sparked significant controversy and legal action.

Petition Filed by Academic and Others

The public interest litigation was filed by academic Apoorvanand Jha and other concerned parties. They argue that the directive constitutes discriminatory profiling of business owners along the pilgrimage path. The petitioners contend that such measures infringe upon the privacy rights of individuals, raising concerns about potential misuse of personal information.

Previous Court Rulings on Similar Directives

This case follows previous rulings where the Supreme Court suspended similar orders from other BJP-led states. The court had cited privacy concerns as a primary reason for halting those directives, emphasizing the need to protect shop owners from unwarranted exposure of their personal data.

Implications for Privacy and Business Owners

The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for privacy rights and the operational freedom of business owners in Uttar Pradesh. If the court rules against the directive, it may set a precedent for future cases involving government mandates that require personal data disclosure.

Broader Context of Privacy Concerns in India

This case is part of a broader national debate on privacy and data protection in India. As digital technologies become more integrated into daily life, balancing security measures with individual privacy rights remains a critical challenge for policymakers.