Kishtwar, July 13: In view of the annual Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Yatra and to preserve the sanctity of the revered shrine, District Magistrate Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), has imposed a complete prohibition on the sale, possession and consumption of liquor within a 500-metre radius of the premises of Shree Sarthal Devi Mata Shrine, Sarthal, under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
According to the order issued on July 13, 2026, the District Magistrate observed that the Sarthal Devi Shrine is a place of immense religious, cultural and spiritual significance, attracting thousands of devotees from across Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of the country, particularly during the annual pilgrimage. The administration noted that the sale and consumption of intoxicating liquor in the vicinity of the shrine has the potential to disturb the sanctity of the holy place, hurt the religious sentiments of devotees and adversely affect public order, peace and tranquility.
The order states that, after considering the circumstances, the District Magistrate found it necessary to take immediate preventive measures to maintain the religious sanctity of the shrine, ensure a peaceful atmosphere for pilgrims and preserve law and order in the area.
Under the order, the sale, possession and consumption of liquor of every description shall remain prohibited within a 500-metre radius of the shrine. The restrictions will remain in force with immediate effect for a period of two months, unless withdrawn, modified or extended earlier.
The District Magistrate has directed all licence holders, wine shop owners, vendors, dhaba owners, hotel operators, restaurant owners and members of the general public to strictly comply with the prohibition order.
The order further warns that any person found violating the restrictions shall be liable for action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, in addition to any other applicable provisions of law.
For effective implementation, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Excise Taxation Officer, Kishtwar, and Tehsildar, Kishtwar, have been instructed to ensure strict enforcement of the order in letter and spirit.
As serving individual notices to every concerned person was not considered feasible, the order has been issued ex parte under Section 163(2) of the BNSS, 2023, and will be given wide publicity through electronic media, social media platforms and by affixing copies at conspicuous public places.
