UP government extends Ayodhya non-veg ban to online food delivery platforms

The decision expands an existing ban on non-vegetarian food sales to include online delivery apps, guesthouses and homestays along key pilgrimage routes.

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to ban the sale and delivery of non-vegetarian food along the Ayodhya Dham and Panchkosi Parikrama routes, extending existing restrictions to online food delivery platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy, officials said on Friday.

The move, according to the state administration, is aimed at preserving the religious and cultural sanctity of the pilgrimage circuit in Ayodhya, which sees a steady flow of devotees throughout the year.

The ban will apply not only to shops, hotels and restaurants, but also to guesthouses and homestays operating along the Ayodhya Dham and Panchkosi Parikrama routes. Authorities said continuous monitoring would be carried out to ensure compliance, and violations would invite strict legal action.

Online delivery brought under the ban

While the sale of non-vegetarian food at physical establishments along the pilgrimage routes had already been prohibited, there was no explicit restriction on online food delivery until now.

State officials said complaints were received from local residents alleging that tourists were ordering non-vegetarian food through delivery apps, despite the on-ground ban. These complaints, the administration said, prompted the decision to extend the restrictions to digital platforms.

Officials issue compliance warning

Assistant Food Commissioner Manik Chandra told India Today that all shopkeepers, hotel operators and online food delivery vendors had been formally informed of the latest order.

He said any violation of the directive would lead to legal action under applicable laws.