Ayodhya Bans Meat and Liquor Shops Along Ram Path Citing Religious Significance:

Suspense crime, Digital Desk : The Ayodhya Municipal Corporation voted and passed a resolution to impose a complete and perpetual ban on selling meat and liquor within the 13-kilometer long Ram Path - a major access road leading to the Ram temple. The decision has stricken various clad stakeholders in the city with mixed reactions ranging from devotion to business, due to the strained importance of this path.

Ban Linked to Spiritual and Cultural Identity

The corporation’s executive committee sought to resolve the matter with the utmost religious regard for the area which prompted them to add this resolution to the agenda.

As stated by Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi, this decision “enshrines” the dignity linked to the name ‘Ram Path’ on account of its purpose.

Scope of the Ban and Affected Businesses

The order affects at least nine pawn shops and puts thirteen alcohol selling establishments along that stretch out of business.

This is not the end; there is a total advertisement and sponsorship restriction of these types on Ayodhya Dham, the area around Ram Janmabhoomi temple.

Redevelopment and Importance of Ram Path

Ram Path is the road that goes from Sadatganj to Lata Mangeshkar Chowk, connecting with Shri Ram Jana deep Bhoomi Path and Bhakti Path.

The road extends longitudinally also in other directions. Pouring religious and tourism traffic over idle infrastructural setups comes with great responsibility. Hence, new road construction projects are undergoing systematic reclamation and are currently in the middle of beautification.

Response and Next Steps

The Ayodhya trade association asked for relocation strategies for the impacted shopkeepers prior to the resolution being implemented.

The ban has been sent to the District Magistrate, while the suggestion regarding the meat shops will be forwarded to the relevant section of the department.

District Excise Officer Suresh Chandra Mishra acknowledged having received a copy of the resolution and indicated that it would indeed be submitted by his office to the state for approval.