Ban on non-veg food at Somnath Temple: Why the Supreme Court refused to lift the restriction and what the judges said | Today’s news
The Supreme Court refused to lift the ban on preparation, sale and storage of non-vegetarian food near Gujarat’s Somnath temple. The court said a balance needed to be struck and refused to interfere with the Gujarat High Court’s interim order maintaining the restriction.
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale was hearing a petition filed by restaurant owners challenging the restrictions imposed by the Gir Somnath district administration.
During the Nov. 6 hearing, the owners argued that the ban was affecting their business and livelihood. However, the Supreme Court refused to grant immediate relief and asked the Gujarat High Court to decide on the pending appeals within two months at the earliest.
“We have to keep a balance. We’re not saying anything,” the bench noted.
Why was the ban imposed?
The dispute began with a notice issued by District Magistrate Gir Somnath on 10 August 2026.
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It prohibits the preparation, sale and storage of non-vegetarian food, including meat, fish and eggs, in restaurants, hotels, shops and roadside stalls in specified areas around the Somnath temple.
Restrictions apply to designated routes in Prabhas Patan and areas within 500 meters of the temple.
Six restaurant owners challenged the notification in the Gujarat High Court. They claimed it affected their right to run a legitimate business and threatened the livelihoods of people working in their facilities. Some of the restaurants are said to have operated in the area for 35 to 40 years.
On 30 October, a single judge of the Gujarat High Court stayed the notification, saying that the restrictions went beyond the powers available under the Gujarat Police Act, 1951 and affected the owners’ fundamental right to carry on business under Article 19(1)(c). g) constitution.
However, the Gujarat government challenged this decision, after which a division bench set aside the order of the single judge. This brought the restrictions back into effect.
What did the Supreme Court say?
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, representing the restaurant owners, argued that the restrictions would affect businesses, especially during the festive season. He also questioned the need to regulate people’s food choices.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Gujarat government, defended the restrictions citing the religious significance of the Somnath temple. He argued that restaurants can continue to sell non-vegetarian food outside the restricted areas.
The Supreme Court decided not to interfere with the preliminary injunction of the High Court. It has not issued a final decision on whether the ban is valid.
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what’s next
The Supreme Court asked the Gujarat High Court to decide on the pending appeals preferably within two months. The case is due to go before the Supreme Court on November 25, 2026.
Until then, restrictions will remain in place. Restaurant owners will have to wait for the high court’s order before they can resume preparation and sale of non-vegetarian food in the notified areas.
The Supreme Court’s refusal to overturn the ban does not mean that it has definitively upheld the restrictions. Their legality is still being examined by the Gujarat High Court.
