IMC clamps down on Meat-specific trade names, compliance mandatory within 10 days

The Itanagar Municipal Corporation has directed all hotels and restaurants in the city to remove references to specific animal meats from their trade licence nomenclature and signboards , citing concerns over public decency and prevailing social sensitivities .

In an official order issued recently, IMC Joint Commissioner Datum Gadi said the civic body had observed that several establishments were operating under names explicitly referring to meats such as pork, chicken, beef, and mutton . The corporation termed such naming practices “inappropriate” and not in alignment with norms related to animal welfare and broader public sensibilities .

According to the IMC, the directive is intended to promote neutral and inclusive business naming practices in a culturally diverse society, while also avoiding offence to religious and community sentiments, particularly in regions with varied dietary customs. The move is also aimed at aligning commercial practices with animal welfare considerations and maintaining a uniform regulatory framework in line with evolving standards of public decency.

Exercising powers under the Arunachal Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 2019, the civic body has ordered all existing trade licences bearing such names to be revised and replaced with more general business titles . It further clarified that new trade licences referencing specific animal meats will not be issued going forward.

All hotel and restaurant owners have been instructed to update their signboards, banners, and official records in accordance with the revised guidelines within 10 days from the date of issuance. The corporation has warned that failure to comply with the directive will invite action under relevant municipal laws and byelaws .