New Delhi, Nov 6: The Supreme Court on Friday refused to lift the ban on the preparation, sale and storage of non-vegetarian food in the vicinity of Gujarat’s Somnath Temple, but asked the Gujarat High Court to decide the matter expeditiously, preferably within two months, reports Bar & Bench.
A Bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale declined to interfere with an interim order of the Gujarat High Court restoring the ban. Hearing a plea filed by restaurant owners, the Bench said a balance had to be maintained in the matter. “We need to maintain a balance. We don’t say anything,” the Bench observed, according to Bar & Bench.
The restaurant owners argued that the ban would severely affect their businesses and that dietary choices were a matter of personal freedom. In a lighter remark, the Bench said, “Celebrate the festival of lights (Diwali) by having sweets. Leave veg or non-veg aside.”
The case relates to an August 10 notification issued by the District Magistrate prohibiting the preparation, sale and storage of non-vegetarian food at shops, restaurants, hotels and roadside stalls in specified areas, including within 500 metres of Somnath Temple.
The Gujarat High Court’s single-judge Bench had initially set aside the notification on October 30. However, a Division Bench stayed that order later the same day and restored the restrictions.
Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the restaurant owners, argued that the ban was affecting businesses that had been operating in the area for nearly 40 years. He also maintained that food habits were a matter of personal choice.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Gujarat government, opposed the plea and informed the Supreme Court that the High Court would hear the matter on November 25. The Supreme Court disposed of the plea, requesting the High Court to decide the appeal expeditiously within two months.
