Bhubaneswar, Jan. 25 -- The Koraput district administration in Odisha has imposed a complete ban on non-vegetarian food sales on Republic Day, an official order said on Saturday, urging people to consume vegetarian items "as a mark of respect". Locals, however, called the move a violation of constitutional rights and an administrative overreach.

District collector Manoj Satyaban Mahajan on Saturday issued the directive, which cited "administrative guidelines" for observing the national occasion with uniformity.

The directive - issued to all block development officers, tahsildars and executive officers - prohibits the sale of meat, chicken, fish and eggs on January 26 across urban and rural areas. Officials are directed to strictly enfor...