The Telangana High Court has directed the state government to formulate clear and uniform guidelines regulating the sale of non-vegetarian food near temples, hospitals and educational institutions, observing that the absence of a defined policy has led to inconsistent enforcement and avoidable disputes.
The direction was issued while hearing a petition filed by a restaurant owner who alleged interference by civic authorities and police in setting up a non-vegetarian eatery close to a temple in Hyderabad. The petitioner argued that there is no statutory prohibition on selling meat-based food near places of worship and claimed that similar establishments were functioning in the same locality without objection.
A bench led by Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy noted that while liquor sales are expressly restricted near religious places, no comparable legal framework exists for non-vegetarian food outlets. The court observed that this regulatory gap has resulted in uncertainty for business owners as well as enforcement agencies.
Taking into account concerns relating to religious sensitivities, public order, traffic congestion and hygiene, the High Court directed senior officials from the Municipal Administration and Home Departments to draft comprehensive guidelines within a stipulated timeframe. The court suggested that such a policy could include requirements like obtaining prior clearance or a No Objection Certificate from the police in sensitive areas.
Until the state finalises and notifies the policy, the court ordered that the petitioner should not commence operations at the proposed restaurant. The interim arrangement is intended to maintain status quo while the government works on creating a uniform regulatory framework.
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