Koraput Administration Imposes Republic Day Ban on Non-Vegetarian Food Sales
The district administration of Koraput in Odisha has issued a controversial order prohibiting the sale of all non-vegetarian items, including meat, chicken, fish, and eggs, on Monday, January 26, 2026. This ban coincides with the 77th Republic Day celebrations across the nation.
Official Directive and Enforcement Measures
In an official letter released on Friday, Koraput Collector and District Magistrate Manoj Satyawan Mahajan instructed all tehsildars, block development officers (BDOs), and executive officers to implement this prohibition strictly within their respective jurisdictions. The directive explicitly states, "You are hereby requested to issue an official notification in your jurisdiction prohibiting the sale of meat, chicken, fish, eggs and other non-vegetarian items on Jan 26, 2026, for the occasion of the 77th Republic Day celebrations in Koraput district."
The collector emphasized the need for prompt action and strict compliance, adding, "I am looking forward to your prompt action on this matter." Officials have been tasked with closely monitoring markets and food outlets to ensure adherence to the ban.
Rationale Behind the Controversial Decision
According to administrative sources, this move originated from suggestions made during recent preparatory meetings for Republic Day celebrations. Some participants argued that prohibiting non-vegetarian food sales would help preserve the sanctity and dignity of the occasion. The administration maintains that the decision aims to uphold the decorum associated with Republic Day festivities.
Sanjit Patnaik, a local resident, commented, "The measure reflects the administration's intent to maintain the decorum associated with Republic Day."
Growing Criticism and Constitutional Concerns
However, the ban has faced significant backlash from various quarters. Ranjan Panigrahi of Jeypore expressed his disagreement, stating, "There seems to be no clear logic for the move. On a holiday, people usually spend time with family and share food of their choice."
Social media platforms have become arenas for heated discussions, with many users questioning the rationale behind these restrictions. Some critics have labeled the ban as a violation of constitutional principles rather than an honor to the Constitution.
Koraput Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka strongly condemned the decision, asserting, "Ban on the sale of non-veg food on Republic Day in Koraput is arbitrary, exclusionary, and unconstitutional. What was the necessity? Why single out a tribal-dominated, culturally diverse district?" He further argued that an elected republic cannot honor the Constitution by curbing constitutional freedoms.
Adding legal weight to the criticism, Supreme Court lawyer Shashank Shekhar Jha pointed out, "Republic Day is neither a religious event nor is Odisha a vegetarian state. Then, why force people to follow this on a particular day?"
Social media user Meedas Sahoo articulated broader concerns on platform X, writing, "This is not about a one-day restriction. It is about the state stepping into the most private of choices — food, belief, and daily life — and doing so on Republic Day of all days. A republic is not built on obedience."
Broader Implications and Public Discourse
This development has sparked a wider debate about governmental overreach, individual freedoms, and cultural diversity in tribal-dominated regions. The controversy highlights tensions between administrative authority and constitutional rights, particularly regarding personal food choices during national celebrations.
As Republic Day approaches, the Koraput administration's enforcement of this ban and the public's response will likely continue to generate significant discussion about the balance between maintaining ceremonial decorum and preserving fundamental liberties in a democratic republic.
