UP Government Orders Closure of Illegal Slaughterhouses, Meat Ban Near Religious Places for Navratri

Lucknow, March 29, 2025 – The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has ordered the immediate closure of illegal slaughterhouses and a ban on meat sales within 500 meters of religious places ahead of the Chaitra Navratri festival. The restrictions will be strictly enforced on April 6, Ram Navami, when animal slaughter and meat sales will be completely prohibited.

Amrit Abhijat, principal secretary of the urban development department, issued directives to all District Magistrates, Police Commissioners, and Municipal Commissioners to enforce the ban. The state government cited 2014 and 2017 orders prohibiting illegal animal slaughter and meat sales near religious sites.

District-level committees led by District Magistrates will oversee the enforcement, with officials from the police, Pollution Control Board, Animal Husbandry Department, Transport Department, Labour Department, Health Department, and Food Safety Administration. Violators will face strict punitive action under the UP Municipal Corporation Act 1959 and the Food Safety Act 2006 and 2011.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam has called for the closure of roadside meat and fish stalls in Mumbai during Navratri. After meeting Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Gunjalay, Nirupam clarified that while restaurants can continue serving non-vegetarian food, open meat stalls should shut down to respect Hindu sentiments.

Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, begins on March 30. Many Hindu devotees observe fasts during this period, prompting demands for restrictions on meat sales in several regions.