MC reimposes ban on meat sale around Mansa Devi Temple

The Panchkula Municipal Corporation has again prohibited the sale and purchase of meat as well as slaughtering of animals around the Mata Mansa Devi Temple complex. The move comes as part of a wider effort to preserve the sanctity of the religious site, which attracts lakhs of devotees throughout the year, particularly during Navratri.

The civic body has formally earmarked the surrounding areas as a “holy zone” where all forms of meat trade are restricted. This zone includes not only the immediate vicinity of the temple but also several commercial stretches within the MC limits. The boundaries cover parts of Sector 5, Sector 6, Sector 7 and nearby localities.

Authorities explained that the decision followed a longstanding demand from devotees and local religious groups, who argued that meat shops in the area were inappropriate given the temple’s historic and cultural significance. The new order effectively reinstates restrictions first announced by the Haryana government in December 2022. The restrictions had been challenged in the Punjab and Haryana High Court by local meat vendors in April 2023, who argued that they were doing business legally under licences granted by the competent authority. The court had granted them relief at that time, temporarily halting the enforcement of the ban.

Despite the earlier stay, the municipal authorities have revived the ban with fresh demarcations of the “no-meat” zone.

The Panchkula Deputy Commissioner has also directed officials to clear encroachments from around the temple premises. Enforcement drives are expected to remove unauthorised structures and regulate commercial activity in the designated area.

The latest order has triggered unease among licenced vendors, who fear loss of livelihood, but civic authorities maintain that religious and cultural sensitivities must take precedence. Officials indicated that they will hold discussions with stakeholders to ensure compliance while addressing the concerns of affected shopkeepers.