Hoardings and flex banners declaring that the entry of non-Hindus is prohibited at Har ki Pauri, Haridwar’s most revered Ganga ghat, were installed on Friday by the Shri Ganga Sabha, the apex body managing the ghats.
The Sabha claims the move is based on Haridwar municipal bylaws framed in 1916, which it says restrict the entry, residence and commercial activities of non-Hindus in the Har-ki-Pauri area.
However, the Haridwar Municipal Corporation and district administration have clarified that no fresh directive or order enforcing such a ban has been issued by the Uttarakhand government so far.
The development, unfolding ahead of the Ardh Kumbh festival scheduled in 2027, has reignited debate over religious sanctity, administrative authority, constitutional values and inclusivity in public religious spaces.
Century-Old Bylaws Behind Hoardings
The boards announcing the restriction were installed at multiple entry points to Har ki Pauri under the supervision of Ganga Sabha secretary Ujjwal Pundit. The notices state that the area is reserved for Hindus, a move that the Sabha says is intended to preserve the “sanctity” of one of Hinduism’s holiest pilgrimage sites.
Ganga Sabha president Nitin Gautam said the action was not arbitrary but rooted in historical regulations. Referring to municipal bylaws enacted in 1916 under the guidance of freedom fighter and educationist Pt Madan Mohan Malviya, Gautam claimed that Har-ki-Pauri has long had provisions restricting the entry of non-Hindus.
“Given the increasing influx of visitors and instances of non-Hindus entering this holy site, we are merely adhering to these provisions,” he said, adding that the boards were meant to inform visitors rather than provoke controversy.
At the same time, the civic administration has struck a cautious note. Haridwar Municipal Corporation town commissioner Nandan Kumar acknowledged that the hoardings had come to the administration’s notice but stressed that no new government order has been issued.
“The state government has not issued any formal directive so far. We will act as per government instructions when they are issued,” he said. District officials have also indicated that the legal validity and present-day applicability of the century-old bylaws are being examined, particularly as Har ki Pauri remains a public space that sees footfall from people of diverse backgrounds.
Broader Demands Ahead Of Ardh Kumbh Fuel Debate
The installation of the hoardings comes against the backdrop of long-standing demands by religious groups to restrict the entry of non-Hindus in Haridwar, a demand that has gained renewed momentum with preparations for the upcoming Ardh Kumbh festival in 2027.
Gautam said the Ganga Sabha’s demands are not limited to Har ki Pauri alone. “We had earlier demanded a ban on the entry of non-Hindus not only at Har-ki-Pauri but also at all 105 Ganga ghats in Haridwar to preserve the sanctity and spiritual significance of this ancient Hindu pilgrimage site. From Friday onwards, we have formally put up boards informing visitors about this prohibition,” he stated.
In addition to restricting devotees and tourists, the Sabha has also urged the state government to refrain from deploying non-Hindu government officials, police personnel and even media professionals at Har ki Pauri. This aspect of the demand has drawn particular attention, as it directly concerns state administration and law enforcement in a public area.
Sabha secretary Ujjwal Pundit defended the stance by arguing that such measures are necessary to maintain religious discipline during rituals and major gatherings, especially as crowds swell during festival seasons.
The renewed push has also been linked to recent social media controversies and allegations of inappropriate conduct at the ghats, some of which were later clarified or disputed by authorities. Nonetheless, these incidents have been cited by proponents of the restrictions as evidence of the need for stricter controls. Critics, however, argue that using isolated or unverified incidents to justify sweeping exclusions risks deepening social divisions.
Legal Ambiguity And Social Implications
While the Ganga Sabha insists it is merely enforcing existing bylaws, legal experts and civil society voices have raised questions about whether colonial-era municipal regulations can override constitutional guarantees of equality and freedom of movement in contemporary India.
Har ki Pauri is not only a religious site but also a public space managed in coordination with civic authorities, particularly during large events such as the Kumbh and Ardh Kumbh Melas. The absence of a clear, current government notification has further added to the ambiguity, leaving enforcement mechanisms and accountability unclear.
The issue also brings into focus the broader challenge of balancing religious autonomy with constitutional principles in a plural society. Uttarakhand has previously taken steps to emphasise the religious character of cities like Haridwar and Rishikesh, including regulations around alcohol and meat consumption.
However, extending identity-based restrictions on entry into public spaces remains a sensitive and legally complex matter, especially in a state that attracts pilgrims, tourists and workers from across the country and abroad.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Sacred spaces hold immense emotional, cultural and spiritual significance, and communities have a legitimate stake in preserving their sanctity. However, when such spaces intersect with public administration and civic life, decisions cannot be guided by sentiment alone. Exclusion based on religious identity, particularly in the absence of clear and contemporary legal backing, risks undermining the constitutional values of equality, dignity and secularism that bind India together.
At a time when social cohesion is under strain, it is crucial that faith, law and governance engage in dialogue rather than confrontation. Protecting heritage should not come at the cost of alienation or discrimination. Instead of unilateral actions rooted in century-old bylaws, transparent consultation involving the state, religious bodies, legal experts and civil society could help find solutions that honour tradition while upholding inclusivity.
