New Delhi, Nov. 8 -- The Supreme Court has refused to lift the ban on the preparation, sale and storage of non-vegetarian food near Gujarat's Somnath Temple. The court said a balance needed to be maintained and declined to interfere with an interim order of the Gujarat High Court that keeps the restrictions in place.

A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale heard a petition filed by restaurant owners challenging the restrictions imposed by the Gir Somnath district administration.

During the November 6 hearing, the owners argued that the ban was affecting their businesses and livelihoods. The Supreme Court, however, refused to grant immediate relief and asked the Gujarat High Court to decide the pending appeals preferably within two...