Telangana High Court Mandates Policy for Meat Outlets Near Sensitive Areas
The Telangana High Court has issued a significant directive to the state government, ordering the formulation of a comprehensive policy to regulate the sale and consumption of meat and non-vegetarian food at establishments located within 100 metres of places of worship, educational institutions, and hospitals. This landmark decision aims to balance commercial activities with community sensitivities and public order concerns.
Court's Detailed Instructions to Government Departments
Justice B Vijaysen Reddy, presiding over the case in December 2025, specifically instructed the municipal and urban development department alongside the home department to draft careful guidelines. The bench emphasized that these regulations must thoughtfully consider multiple factors including the religious sentiments of devotees at places of worship, the necessity for maintaining serenity and hygiene in sensitive areas, and addressing potential law and order and traffic issues that might arise from such establishments.
Key Requirements in the Proposed Policy
The High Court has mandated that the forthcoming policy must include a crucial requirement for food outlets, hotels, and similar establishments to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from local police stations. This measure is designed to ensure that these businesses do not create traffic congestion or law and order problems in their immediate surroundings. The court noted that while specific rules currently don't exist prohibiting non-vegetarian food consumption or sale near places of worship, similar 100-metre restrictions are already strictly enforced for liquor outlets across the state.
Background of the Case That Triggered the Ruling
The directions emerged from a petition filed by businessman Bipin Ramdas Ippakayal, who was establishing a restaurant in Hyderabad's Nampally area. Ippakayal approached the High Court alleging harassment from police and civic authorities despite having obtained all necessary permissions from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation. He claimed that authorities argued his restaurant, located near a century-old temple, would create law and order issues, with police even detaining a worker and frequently interfering with ongoing construction activities.
Court's Observations on Religious Sentiments and Practical Concerns
The bench made important observations during the proceedings, noting that even in the absence of specific existing rules, the sale of non-vegetarian food near temples or places of worship could potentially hurt the religious sentiments of devotees. The court observed that it was a well-known fact that non-vegetarian food is traditionally banned within temple precincts, making it necessary to maintain hygiene and a serene atmosphere in the immediate vicinity. Additionally, the judge pointed out that the restaurant's location on the road within 100 metres of the temple presented legitimate traffic and security concerns that needed addressing.
Selective Enforcement Concerns Raised by Petitioner
An interesting aspect of the case involved the petitioner's contention that he was being selectively targeted by authorities. Ippakayal pointed out that another restaurant serving non-vegetarian food had been operating in the same building for an extended period without any government interference. Though authorities opposed the petition, the bench noted their inability to provide any specific statutory rules currently prohibiting non-vegetarian food consumption or sale near places of worship.
Final Disposition and Status Quo Order
In its final ruling, the court ordered the petitioner to maintain a status quo regarding the property while disposing of the petition. This decision effectively puts the restaurant project on hold until the state government formulates and implements the comprehensive policy as directed by the High Court. The ruling establishes an important precedent for how commercial food establishments near sensitive locations should be regulated in Telangana, particularly in urban areas like Hyderabad where space constraints often bring diverse activities into close proximity.
