Supreme Court leaves Somnath food restrictions in force

The Supreme Court on November 6 declined to suspend restrictions on preparing, selling and storing nonvegetarian food and eggs in specified areas around Somnath Temple, leaving them in force while the Gujarat High Court considers the case. The court asked the High Court to decide the pending appeal within two months and did not rule on whether the restrictions are lawful.

The case was brought by restaurant owners challenging an August 10 notification issued by the Gir Somnath District Magistrate. It covers specified routes and localities in Prabhas Patan, including areas within 500 metres of the temple. The notification prohibits preparation, sale and storage of nonvegetarian food, including eggs, in the designated areas.

The owners argued that the restrictions exceeded the authorities’ powers and interfered with their right to conduct business. Their lawyer, senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, also argued that the restrictions affected the restaurants’ operations and livelihoods. The Gujarat government defended the measure. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that establishments could serve nonvegetarian food outside the restricted areas.