Bihar Implements Statewide Ban on Open Sale of Meat, Fish and Chicken; Deputy CM Cites Health and Public Sentiment

Elaborating on the concerns, the Deputy CM added, “Selling meat openly affects people's health badly. It also causes problems in cleanliness. So that no one's emotions are hurt, meat sales will be done only in licensed shops as per rules.”

Under the new norms, all meat vendors, including those dealing in chicken, mutton and fish, must secure valid licenses and operate from designated shops that comply with hygiene and location guidelines. Administrative officials have been instructed to conduct regular inspections, relocate licensed vendors where necessary, and take strict action against illegal operators. Violators face potential fines, sealing of premises and cancellation of licenses.

The policy mirrors similar regulations introduced in Uttar Pradesh and is expected to bring Bihar's meat trade in line with national standards for food safety and public order. Officials indicated that the ban will be enforced "henceforth," with immediate effect in urban and municipal areas, though implementation timelines for rural regions are yet to be detailed.

This is not the first time such decisions emanating from a BJP ruled state had stoked controversy - previously in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh a ban was imposed on non-vegetarian food during the period of Navratri. Incidents of chaos and violence have been reported in parts of Delhi after hardliners had tried shutting down fish and meat shops in several Delhi markets. This, ahead of West Bengal election, has given fresh ammunition to Trinamool Congress (TMC) to target BJP and question their intent in being respectful towards Bengali choices of food. “They are after fish. Bengalis love fish and this is what they will do here in Bengal if ever they come to power. People will not accept such dictatorship”, said Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday.​