Assam Bans Public Beef Consumption in Hotels and Restaurants

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expands existing cattle preservation laws to prohibit serving beef in public places across the state.

The Assam government has announced a statewide ban on serving and consuming beef in public places, including restaurants, hotels, and public events.
This decision expands the Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021, which previously restricted beef consumption near temples and in areas with Hindu, Jain, and Sikh majorities.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the move aims to strengthen the existing law and reflects the state’s commitment to cattle preservation.
Opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan, criticized the ban, calling it an infringement on personal freedoms and cultural diversity.
The decision has sparked political controversy, with critics accusing the BJP-led government of using the issue to gain political leverage in the state.