Haryana orders closure of meat shops near sensitive locations for Navratri

The Haryana government has directed that meat shops remain closed near “sensitive locations” in all urban municipal areas during the Navratri festival, which runs from March 19 to 27. The order covers areas around religious places, places of worship, and educational institutions .

Urban Local Bodies Minister Vipul Goel said the directive has been issued under the Haryana Municipal Act, 1976 , and the Regulation of Sale of Meat Act , which empower municipal authorities to regulate the sale of meat and related products. Shops outside these sensitive zones may operate only with prior permission from the local municipal licensing authority.

“The order has been issued to ensure peace and maintain law and order in urban areas during the festival,” Goel said, adding that strict action will be taken against anyone operating meat shops without permission. He also instructed municipal officers to regularly monitor meat shops in their jurisdictions to ensure compliance.

Similar measures in other states have been enforced during religious festivals. In Uttar Pradesh , authorities have ordered closure of meat shops within 500 metres of religious places during festivals like Navratri and Ram Navami. In Rudrapur, Uttarakhand , a nine-day ban on all meat sales was imposed during Navratri, with fines levied on violations. Varanasi Municipal Corporation has also mandated closure of meat and fish shops during Chaitra Navratri to maintain the religious atmosphere.

While these measures are framed as efforts to preserve public order and respect religious sentiments , some legal commentators have raised questions over their impact on trade rights and personal dietary choice .