Uttar_Pradesh Bans Meat Sales

The India — Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has issued directives to close illegal slaughterhouses and ban the sale of meat within 500 meters of religious places during the nine-day Chaitra Navratri festival, which began on March 30, 2025. Special restrictions will be enforced for Ram Navami on April 6, with a complete ban on animal slaughter and meat sales across the state. Principal Secretary Amrit Abhijat of the Urban Development Department has instructed district officials to ensure compliance. District-level committees, comprising various department officials, have been formed to implement the decision effectively. Violators will face strict punitive action under the UP Municipal Corporation Act and Food Safety Act. Additionally, Yogi Adityanath has called for 24-hour electricity supply and large-scale celebrations, including continuous recitations of Ramcharitmanas, during the festival. The move has been clarified by Shishir, Director of Information and Public Relations, stating that no meat/fish shops will operate within the specified radius, and all shops will be closed on Ram Navami. This action follows similar orders issued in 2014 and 2017.