Gujarat High Court Bench stays order striking down Somnath non-veg ban

The two-judge bench intervened following an urgent appeal filed by the Gujarat Government against Justice Nisha Thakore's order, which had invalidated the notification prohibiting non-vegetarian food sales in the temple town.

Justice Thakore had ruled against the ban imposed through a collector's notification, finding it to be an overreach of administrative authority. However, the division bench's stay order has effectively suspended her judgment and restored the status quo ante.

The ban on non-vegetarian food sales in Somnath has been a contentious issue, with various petitions challenging its validity and scope. The collector's notification, which sought to restrict such sales in the area, had faced multiple legal challenges on grounds of violation of individual rights and commercial freedom.

With the stay order now in place, the non-vegetarian food sale restriction will remain operational in Somnath pending further proceedings before the division bench. The matter is likely to see continued legal contestation as parties present their arguments before the higher bench.

The case highlights the ongoing tension between local administrative measures and constitutional protections of personal liberty and commercial activity in India.