The Gujarat high court has quashed the government ban on selling non-vegetarian food around the Somnath temple. The court also rejected the state government's request to stay this order.

The court held that the collector had misused powers under section 33(1)(w) of the Gujarat police act.

Background of the ban

The Gujarat government had issued a notification in August 2026 imposing a ban on preparing and selling non-vegetarian food within a 500-meter radius of the Somnath temple and on six main roads.

Seven restaurant owners filed a petition in the high court against this decision. According to the petitioners, they had been operating their businesses with licenses for 20 to 25 years.

Petition and government stance

During the hearing, the government informed the court that 1.16 crore devotees visit Somnath in nine months. The government may appeal against the decision in a division bench or the supreme court.