Right to business can’t override religious character of Somnath: Gujarat to HC

The Gujarat government has told the High Court that the right to do business cannot override the religious, historical and cultural character of a pilgrimage destination, defending a ban on non-vegetarian food within 500 metres of the Somnath Temple. Government pleader G H Virk submitted before Justice Nisha M Thakore that over 1.16 crore devotees had visited the shrine in the past nine months, and similar restrictions exist in Rishikesh, Haridwar, Amritsar and Mathura-Vrindavan.

Six restaurant owners have challenged the August 2026 notification, arguing the ban violates their fundamental right to trade under Article 19(1)(g). They say they hold valid licences, have operated for decades, and their establishments lie beyond the temple's immediate periphery. The government maintained that restaurants can continue serving vegetarian food at existing premises or sell non-vegetarian items outside the notified area. The case is pending before a single-judge bench.

Update, 22 October 2026: Business Standard now reports the story, confirming the government's submission before Justice Nisha M Thakore that over 1.16 crore devotees visited Somnath in nine months. The outlet adds that the notification permanently bans sale and storage of non-vegetarian items in six specified prohibited zones. The restaurant owners continue to argue the ban violates Article 19(1)(g).