Gujarat High Court restores Somnath temple meat ban

The Gujarat High Court has reinstated a ban on the sale, preparation, and storage of non-vegetarian food in the vicinity of the Somnath temple. A division bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Manash Ranjan Pathak and Justice Nirzar S. Desai, issued the stay on Friday evening, reversing a single-judge ruling that had quashed the restriction earlier that afternoon.

The original notification, issued by the Gir Somnath District Magistrate on August 10, 2026, prohibits non-vegetarian food activities within a 500-metre radius of the Somnath Mahadev temple and along six designated pilgrimage routes.

Earlier in the day, Justice Nisha M. Thakore had set aside the notification, ruling that the authorities lacked the power under the Gujarat Police Act to impose a complete prohibition on food types and that such measures were disproportionate to the petitioners' right to livelihood. However, the state government filed an urgent appeal, prompting the division bench to hold a special sitting. The bench noted the upcoming festive rush during Deepavali and the Gujarati New Year, suggesting the restrictions are relevant to the large number of devotees expected. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 26.