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

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha has announced a complete prohibition on the open sale of mutton, chicken, fish and other meat products across the state. The directive, which comes just months after the BJP-led NDA alliance's landslide victory in the November 2025 assembly elections and Nitish Kumar's swearing-in for a record tenth term as Chief Minister. He claims their aim is to enforce stricter hygiene standards and licensed operations only.

The announcement was made on Monday during the ongoing budget session of the Bihar Legislative Council. Sinha, who also holds the Revenue and Land Reforms portfolio, emphasised that roadside or uncovered vending of meat will no longer be permitted, with sales restricted exclusively to properly licensed shops.

"Now there will be a complete ban on selling meat openly in all urban areas of the state. Along with this, obtaining a license under Section 345 for meat shops is mandatory. Open sale of meat will not be allowed according to its conditions,” said Sinha in the House. He further explained the rationale behind the decision, stating, “This decision has been taken keeping in view the health of the people 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.​