Gujarat High Court Restores Meat Ban Near Somnath Temple Hours After Single Bench Quashed It

Earlier this month, a single bench of the Gujarat High Court had ruled that the existing prohibition on meat sales within a designated radius of the Somnath Temple was excessive, noting that the consumption or non‑display of meat is not an essential component of the temple’s religious practice. The judgment sparked debate among local traders, religious groups and civil liberty advocates, with some arguing that the ban infringed on commercial rights while others emphasized the sanctity of the pilgrimage site.

In a swift reversal, a larger bench of the High Court convened to reconsider the matter and ultimately restored the ban. The judges reasoned that the restriction serves to preserve the decorum of a major religious destination that attracts millions of devotees each year, and that it helps prevent potential conflicts between meat vendors and worshippers. The court also highlighted that the ban is limited in scope, applying only to a specific perimeter around the temple complex, and therefore does not constitute a blanket prohibition on meat trade throughout the state.

The decision has immediate implications for vendors operating in the vicinity of the temple, who must now comply with the renewed regulations or face penalties. Political leaders have expressed support for the ruling, framing it as a measure that respects cultural traditions while maintaining public peace. At the same time, consumer rights groups are monitoring the enforcement to ensure that the ban does not lead to undue hardship for small businesses. The case may set a precedent for how courts balance religious sentiments with commercial freedoms in other parts of India.