Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Government has published in its Extraordinary Gazette a notification prohibiting the sale and use of meat in three religiously significant cities of the state. The notification, published on September 9, 2026, carries an order issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development dated December 23, 2025.
The ban will be enforced in the walled city area of Amritsar, Sri Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district, and Talwandi Sabo (Sri Damdama Sahib) in Bathinda district. According to the notification, the restriction on the sale and use of meat will take immediate effect, and violators will face action under applicable laws and regulations.
The department said the order was issued in compliance with a notification of the Home Affairs Department dated December 15, 2025. While the restriction covers the walled city area of Amritsar, it will apply within the municipal limits of Sri Anandpur Sahib and Talwandi Sabo.
State government had declared these areas as holy cities due to their religious significance, as they are home to major Sikh shrines including Sri Harmandir Sahib, Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib. The move aims to preserve the sanctity and religious character of these sacred locations.
The current gazette notification specifically mentions a ban on the sale and use of meat. Any broader restrictions related to liquor, tobacco or other intoxicants would require separate government orders and are not covered under this notification.
