Restaurant Owners vs State of Gujarat — Non-veg food ban near Somnath Temple

Updates

1. News22 Oct 2026

   Business rights can't disregard sanctity of pilgrimage site: Gujarat government to HC on non-veg ban

   Six restaurant owners have challenged the blanket ban imposed by the Gujarat Government two months ago on the sale of non-vegetarian food within a 500-metre periphery of the temple

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   The Gujarat government told the court that business rights must respect the holiness of a pilgrimage site.

   Who:

   The Restaurant Owners are the group challenging the ban, and the Gujarat government is defending the restriction.

   When:

   Reported on 22 Oct 2026.

   Where:

   Gujarat High Court, Gujarat.

   Why:

   The government argues that business rights cannot ignore the sanctity of a site used for religious pilgrimages.

   What it means:

   The court is considering whether religious values can override the right of restaurant owners to sell non-vegetarian food.

   The Hindu
2. News22 Oct 2026

   Right to business cannot supersede religious significance of pilgrimage sites, Gujarat tells HC on non-veg ban

   The Gujarat government on Wednesday defended its ban on the sale and storage of non-vegetarian food within a 500-metre radius of the Somnath Temple, telling the

   Explanation in simple terms

   What:

   The government argued that selling non-vegetarian food near a religious site should be prohibited.

   Who:

   Restaurant owners are the group challenging the ban, the State of Gujarat is the government authority, and the Gujarat High Court is the legal body hearing the case.

   When:

   Reported on 22 Oct 2026.

   Where:

   Gujarat, Gujarat High Court.

   Why:

   The state claims that the right to operate a business cannot override the religious importance of pilgrimage locations.

   What it means:

   The court must now weigh the freedom to conduct business against the protection of religious sentiments near sacred areas.

   The New Indian Express