The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a notice to the Punjab government in response to a petition contesting the ban on the sale of meat, fish, and related products in the Walled City of Amritsar. This comes after a Division Bench comprising Justice Harsimran Singh Sethi and Justice Deepak Manchanda heard the petition on May 29. The court has directed the state to submit its response by June 22, when further deliberations will take place.
The petition was filed by Kuldeep Fish Company, a wholesaler specializing in fish and raw meat, challenging the notification that designated Amritsar’s Walled City, along with Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo, as ‘Holy Cities.’ This designation has resulted in a ban on the sale and consumption of meat products within these areas. The petitioner argued that such prohibitions lack statutory authority and are an imposition of religious morality not supported by the Indian Constitution, which does not endorse any religion-based territorial distinctions.
The plea highlighted the absence of clear definitions for terms like “Holy City” and “Walled City,” as well as the lack of clarity on the jurisdictional boundaries affected by the notification dated December 15, 2025. Furthermore, the petitioner emphasized that the state has not devised any rehabilitation plan for those whose livelihoods are threatened by this ban.
The petitioner contended that the ban discriminates against other communities and tourists who are being deprived of their lawful choices. The plea described the prohibition as “wholly irrational and discriminatory,” pointing out that the ban is enforced in the Walled City while similar activities are allowed in other parts of Amritsar, which lacks a reasonable basis.
Additionally, it was noted that authorities have recently taken forceful actions to close and seal the petitioner’s and other traders’ businesses in Amritsar. The legal representation for the petitioner was provided by Senior Advocate Vikas Chatrath and Advocate Preet Agroa, while Additional Advocate General Jastej Singh appeared on behalf of the state.
