India's culinary diversity is part of what makes the country unique in the global tableau. States, regions, religions, each has its own food agenda, and together it's this diversity which makes Indian cuisine such a fascinating sphere. But not for some. The district administration of Koraput in Odisha found itself at the centre of a heated controversy after imposing – and then hastily withdrawing – a ban on the sale of non-vegetarian food items during Republic Day celebrations.
On Friday, District Magistrate Manoj Satyawan Mahajan issued a directive to all tahsildars, block development officers and executive officers, ordering them to prohibit the sale of meat, chicken, fish, eggs and other non-vegetarian items on 26th January 2026. The order, intended for the 77th Republic Day celebrations, urged residents to consume vegetarian food "as a mark of respect" for the national occasion.
The directive cited "administrative guidelines" for observing Republic Day with uniformity across the district. Officials were instructed to strictly enforce the ban across both urban and rural areas, with the district magistrate requesting "prompt action on this matter."
However, the ban immediately drew sharp criticism from locals, legal experts and political leaders who questioned its constitutional validity and practical implications.
Congress MLA Ram Chandra Kadam from Pottangi constituency was amongst the most vocal critics, arguing that the directive contradicted the very concept of freedom that Republic Day celebrates. Legal challenges to the ban were swift. Koraput lawyer Satyabadi Mohapatra argued that the prohibition violated Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution, which prohibit discrimination on grounds of religion and guarantee equality before the law.
Faced with mounting criticism and legal challenges, the district administration acted swiftly to reverse course. In an official communication dated 25th January 2026, the Collectorate of Koraput revoked its previous order with immediate effect.
The withdrawal notice revealed that the original ban had been issued "purely on the suggestion of the District Level Republic Day Preparatory Committee." However, it stated that "after due consideration, the aforesaid letter is hereby revoked with immediate effect," without elaborating on what prompted the reconsideration.
The episode has raised important questions about administrative overreach and the balance between cultural sensitivity and constitutional rights. Critics argue that imposing dietary restrictions on a day meant to celebrate India's republican constitutional values represents a fundamental misunderstanding of the occasion's significance.
Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India, which guarantees citizens the right to equality and freedom of choice. Many viewed the ban as contradictory to these very principles, particularly given that the Constitution explicitly prohibits discrimination on religious grounds – and dietary preferences often have religious dimensions.
The swift reversal suggests that the administration recognised the constitutional concerns and potential backlash. However, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of administrative bodies in regulating personal choices and whether such restrictions are appropriate even for national celebrations.
As Koraput residents prepare to celebrate Republic Day without dietary restrictions, the episode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between administrative authority and individual freedoms that lies at the heart of India's constitutional democracy.