Somnath Non-Veg Food Ban Continues: What Gujarat Govt Says Why Restaurants Oppose And Latest Court Order | Today’s news
The Gujarat High Court on Friday (Oct 30) set aside a single-judge ruling that lifted restrictions on the sale of non-vegetarian food near the famous Somnath temple.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Manash Ranjan Pathak and Justice Nirzar Desai passed the order following an urgent appeal filed by the Gujarat government. He ordered that the notification issued by District Collector Gir Somnath banning the sale of non-vegetarian food in reserved areas will remain in force for the time being.
The division bench will hear the matter by December 26.
Earlier on Friday, Justice Nisha Thakore allowed petitions filed by owners of hotels and restaurants operating near the Somnath temple in Gir Somnath district and stayed the Collector’s notice.
The state government subsequently challenged the decision of the single judge before the division bench, which adjourned late in the evening.
What is the ban on non-veg food in Gujarat Somnath?
The Collector’s notification dated August 10, 2026 prohibits the preparation, storage and sale of non-vegetarian food within 500 meters of the Somnath temple.
The restrictions also apply to six specifically designated roads connecting important religious destinations in the area, which form part of the Somnath pilgrimage circuit.
As the trial panel remains at the behest of a single judge, these restrictions will continue to apply until further instructions from the court.
Why did hotel and restaurant owners challenge the ban?
Hotel and restaurant owners approached the Gujarat High Court arguing that the restrictions violated their fundamental right to run a lawful business and earn a living.
They challenged the Collector’s notification imposing restrictions on the preparation, storage and sale of non-vegetarian food in areas around the temple and along designated pilgrimage routes.
What was the Gujarat government’s argument?
Against the petitions of hotel and restaurant owners, the state government argued that constitutional freedom of enterprise does not give individuals the right to run every form of business in every place, regardless of its religious, historical and cultural significance.
The government argued that Somnath was no ordinary trading town but a place of extraordinary spiritual significance for millions of Hindus.
On this basis, the State defended the restrictions imposed through the Collector’s notification.
The stay at the division bench means the dispute over the legality of the restriction will continue, with the matter to be heard on December 26.