Sambhal SDM Court Issues Notices to Woman and Husband Over Planned Kanwar Yatra in Burqa
Police cited apprehension of breach of peace; couple bound down for six months on personal bonds.
Quick Look
An SDM court in Sambhal issued notices to Tamanna Malik and her husband Aman Tyagi after she announced plans to undertake the Kanwar Yatra wearing a burqa, prompting police to cite potential law-and-order concerns.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Tamanna Malik previously undertook a similar Kanwar Yatra in 2025, walking from Haridwar to Sambhal's Kshemnath Tirtha temple.
An SDM court issued notices to Tamanna Malik and her husband Aman Tyagi.
MEERUT: An SDM court in Sambhal has issued notices to Tamanna Malik, a Muslim woman married to Aman Tyagi, and her husband after she announced that she would undertake Kanwar Yatra wearing a burqa, directing them to appear in person and explain the decision after police cited apprehension of breach of peace.
As a preventive measure, the court bound down the couple for six months on personal bonds of Rs 20,000 each. Officials said the notice was issued as a preventive step after police flagged law-and-order concerns, and the matter will proceed after the couple appears before SDM court and submits its explanation.
The order, a copy of which is with TOI, said the SHO of Asmoli police station informed the court that the proposed yatra could create a law-and-order situation. "If she brings kanwar wearing a burqa, breach of peace could happen," the SHO stated in the report, following which the SDM sought an explanation from the couple.
Officials said Malik was scheduled to leave for Haridwar Tuesday, and the matter came under administrative scrutiny after her announcement was shared widely online. In 2025, Malik undertook a similar Kanwar Yatra, walking for around five days from Haridwar after collecting Gangajal, and performed jalabhishek at Sambhal's ancient Kshemnath Tirtha temple. Videos of her carrying kanwar in a burqa were widely shared at the time.
Malik has said that, under Hindu religious belief, completing a "jodi" of kanwars is considered necessary. "I had planned to undertake the yatra again this year because a pair of kanwars has to be completed," she said.
Her husband questioned the preventive action, saying, "It is a right for anyone to worship. Why is she being prevented from observing her rights?"
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Couple will appear before SDM court to submit explanations.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Will the court permit Malik to undertake the yatra after her explanation?
- What specific security measures were considered by the police?
