Odisha's Koraput district administration has imposed a complete ban on non-vegetarian food sales on Republic Day, sparking claims of constitutional rights violations from locals. The directive, issued by the district collector, cites administrative guidelines for uniform observance of the national occasion.
The Koraput district administration in Odisha issued a directive on Saturday banning the sale of meat, chicken, fish, and eggs on Republic Day, January 26. District collector Manoj Satyaban Mahajan cited 'administrative guidelines' for observing the national occasion with uniformity, appealing to residents to consume vegetarian items 'as a mark of respect'. The ban applies across urban and rural areas, with officials instructed to enforce it strictly.
Locals have criticized the move as an overreach and violation of constitutional rights. Congress MLA from Pottangi, Ram Chandra Kadam, stated, 'The district collector is not supposed to regulate food habits of people. He has been appointed to administer the district. He should mind the governance.' Koraput lawyer Satyabadi Mohapatra argued that the ban infringes Articles 14 and 15, which prohibit discrimination on religious grounds and ensure equality. 'Republic Day is a national festival, not a religious occasion,' he said.
Elderly resident Bidyut Khara highlighted the economic impact on small-scale vendors reliant on daily sales. 'The administration could have regulated outlet timings instead of imposing a blanket ban,' Khara said. Koraput Chamber of Commerce president Kiran Kumar declined to comment.
Similar bans have occurred elsewhere for religious sentiments; in May 2025, Ayodhya Municipal Corporation prohibited liquor and meat along the 14-km Ram Path connecting Ayodhya and Faizabad.