Punjab and Haryana high court permits meat sales in Shri Anandpur Sahib until ban is notified

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has made it clear that no restriction can be imposed on the sale of meat and meat products in Shri Anandpur Sahib in Punjab until a formal notification regarding implementation is issued by the competent authority.

The petitioners, small traders engaged in the sale of meat and meat products in Shri Anandpur Sahib, had approached the High Court challenging the notification dated December 15, 2025 issued by the Government of Punjab declaring Amritsar, Shri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo as “holy cities” and proposing a ban on liquor, meat and meat products. The petitioners contended that the proposed ban adversely affects their fundamental right to livelihood guaranteed under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India.

During the hearing before the HC, the state of Punjab informed the Court that while the notification dated 15.12.2025 had been issued, no separate notification imposing the actual restrictions had yet been notified by the concerned Administrative Secretary.

Recording the statement made by the State, the Division Bench comprising Justice Harsimran Singh Sethi and Justice Vikas Suri disposed of the written petition as premature. The Court observed that until the restrictions are formally imposed through a proper notification, the petitioners cannot be stopped from carrying on their lawful trade, provided they are operating as per prescribed norms.

The Court further directed that in case the petitioners face any harassment from police officials before such implementation notification is issued, they may file a representation before the competent authority. The authorities have been directed to decide any such representation within four weeks from the date of its receipt.