Tamanna Malik, a 27-year-old Muslim woman from Sambhal district in Uttar Pradesh, has received a show-cause notice from the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Court in Sambhal over her plan to participate in the Kanwar Yatra during the holy month of Sawan while wearing a burqa. Her husband, Aman Tyagi, was also served the notice. According to the notice, proceeding in violation of the stated directions could attract a fine of ₹20,000.

Background: A Pilgrimage That Went Viral

This is not the couple's first undertaking of the Kanwar Yatra. On 14 February this year, during Maha Shivratri, Tamanna walked from Haridwar carrying a Kanwar filled with holy water, which she subsequently offered at a temple in Sambhal — all while dressed in a burqa. A video of the ritual went viral on social media, drawing widespread attention and igniting a public debate.

Following the circulation of the video, Tamanna lodged an FIR alleging she had received threats through social media platforms. Despite the controversy, the couple maintained that their faith and beliefs transcended religious divisions.

What the Notice Says

The SDM Court's notice was issued after authorities learned of the couple's plans to repeat the pilgrimage during Sawan. The administration reportedly objected specifically to Tamanna travelling to Haridwar while wearing a burqa. Sambhal SDM Vikas Chandra clarified that the notice was a preventive measure aimed solely at maintaining law and order in the area, and was not a blanket prohibition on the pilgrimage itself.

The Couple's Response

Aman Tyagi visited the SDM's office to submit the couple's formal response to the notice. He invoked constitutional protections in defending his wife's right to choose her attire. 'We received a notice from the SDM and the administration stating that if we go to Haridwar, my wife Tamanna Malik cannot travel wearing a burqa. It was effectively a restriction,' he said. 'Our request to the government and the administration is that this country is governed by the Constitution, and nowhere does the Constitution say that women's rights can be curtailed or that women can be stopped from wearing any particular attire. They should be free to wear whatever they wish.'

Aman confirmed the couple intended to proceed with the yatra regardless. 'We will definitely go to Haridwar tomorrow. Last time also we performed Kanwar Yatra and several Hindus welcomed and supported us. Even today, many people want us to perform the Yatra,' he added.

Selective Enforcement Allegation

Aman also alleged what he described as uneven application of administrative authority, citing the example of Purnia MP Pappu Yadav. He argued that public acts he characterised as offensive to Hindu sentiments by the parliamentarian had not attracted similar official action. 'No action is taken against him, and instead he is given more protection for his safety. On the other hand, we are not doing anything that hurts the sentiments of people,' he said. He reiterated that the couple would conduct the pilgrimage strictly within constitutional provisions.

What Happens Next

The couple's response has been submitted to the SDM's office. Whether the administration proceeds with further restrictions or allows the pilgrimage to go ahead without conditions remains to be seen. The case has drawn attention to broader questions around religious expression, dress codes in public religious spaces, and the limits of preventive administrative action in Uttar Pradesh.