CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana high court has issued a notice to the Punjab government regarding a petition that challenges the prohibition on the sale of meat, fish, and meat products in the Walled City of Amritsar. A division bench comprising Justice Harsimran Singh Sethi and Justice Deepak Manchanda issued the notice on May 29, scheduling further consideration for June 22.
Petition Filed by Kuldeep Fish Company
The order was passed in response to a plea filed by Kuldeep Fish Company, a wholesaler of fish and raw meat. The company moved the court challenging the notification that declared the Walled City of Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo as 'Holy Cities'. This declaration has led to a complete prohibition on the sale and use of meat and meat products within these notified areas.
Arguments Against the Prohibition
The petitioner argued that the prohibition lacks statutory backing. It was contended that the state has employed executive power to enforce religious morality, despite the Constitution not recognizing any religion-based territorial classification. The plea stated, "The respondents have neither defined 'Holy City' nor 'Walled City', including the jurisdiction and territory to which the same would apply nor disclosed the statutory backing under which the notifications dated December 15, 2025, have been issued."
Furthermore, the petitioner highlighted that the state has not framed any rehabilitation policy for those dependent on the meat trade. It was submitted that a large number of persons belonging to other communities, as well as tourists, are being deprived of their lawful choice due to the prohibition. The plea added, "Complete prohibition within the walled city of Amritsar, while permitting the very same activities in other parts of the same city, is wholly irrational, discriminatory, and devoid of any intelligible differentia."
The court has posted the matter for further consideration on June 22, pending the state's response.
