Meat Outlets Near Temples, Schools: Telangana HC Orders Statewide Policy

The Telangana High Court on Tuesday, February 3, instructed the state government to develop a standardised policy to regulate the sale of meat and non-vegetarian food within 100 metres of temples, educational institutions and hospitals.

The court highlighted concerns linked to public sentiment, hygiene, traffic flow, and the maintenance of law and order.

Petition Raises Allegations Of Harassment

The direction came from Justice B Vijaysen Reddy while hearing a writ petition filed by Hyderabad-based restaurateur Bipin Ramdas. The petitioner claimed that officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and the police had been harassing him.

According to the plea, the restaurant was allegedly singled out even though several similar establishments were operating nearby. It was also submitted during the proceedings that police had detained workers at the restaurant, stating that the outlet was functioning without the necessary permissions.

Ramdas argued that the authorities' actions were arbitrary and discriminatory.

Government Cites Public Objections And Location Concerns

The state government opposed the petition, telling the court that the non-vegetarian kitchen was situated close to a Hanuman temple. This proximity had triggered objections from local residents and created apprehensions about public order.

GHMC officials also pointed to traffic-related concerns in the locality and noted that the civic body had not recommended granting a permanent licence to the restaurant. They added that the establishment was operating on a temporary licence while serving non-vegetarian food.

Court Seeks Comprehensive Guidelines Within Four Weeks

After considering the arguments, Justice Reddy directed the Principal Secretaries of the Municipal Administration and Home departments to prepare detailed guidelines within four weeks.

The court observed that the proposed policy could require meat outlets in sensitive areas to obtain a No Objection Certificate from the local police station before starting operations.

Until the guidelines are finalised, the court ordered that the petitioner must not run the non-vegetarian restaurant.