Telangana HC asks State to frame policy on meat sale near temples, hospitals

The Telangana High Court directed the State government to frame a comprehensive policy regulating the sale of meat and non-vegetarian food within 100 metres of temples, schools and hospitals, citing public sentiments, cleanliness, traffic and law and order concerns

Hyderabad: Justice B Vijaysen Reddy of the Telangana High Court on Tuesday directed the State government to frame a comprehensive policy regulating the sale of meat and non-vegetarian food items within 100 metres of temples, educational institutions and hospitals, keeping in view public sentiments, cleanliness, traffic, and law and order concerns.

Hearing a writ petition filed by Bipin Ramdas. Justice Reddy asked Principal Secretaries of Municipal Administration and Home departments to prepare clear guidelines within four weeks. The court also suggested that the proposed policy may include a requirement of obtaining a No Objection Certificate from the local police station before permitting the opening of meat-selling outlets in sensitive areas.

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The petitioner had approached the court complaining of obstruction to his business by officials of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and the police. His counsel submitted that workers at the petitioner’s restaurant were forcibly detained by the police on the allegation that the establishment was being run without permission. It was argued that several restaurants were functioning in the same locality and that the petitioner was being singled out in a discriminatory manner.

Opposing the plea, the government pleader for Home Department contended that the petitioner’s non-vegetarian kitchen was located within 100 metres of a Hanuman temple, raising religious sensitivities and potential law and order issues. It was further submitted that the GHMC had recommended against grant of a regular licence citing traffic concerns in the area. Counsel appearing for the GHMC informed the court that the petitioner was operating the establishment on the basis of a temporary licence and was running a non-vegetarian restaurant.

After considering the submissions, Justice Reddy directed the State to evolve uniform guidelines on the sale of non-vegetarian food near temples, educational institutions and hospitals. Until such guidelines are finalised, the court ordered that the petitioner shall not operate the non-vegetarian restaurant.