The original notification was issued under Sections of the Gujarat Police Act, 1951, prohibiting the preparation, sale and storage of non-vegetarian food and eggs within the specified areas falling within 500 metres of the Somnath temple. (File Photo)

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to stay the Gujarat High Court’s interim order keeping in force a ban on the preparation, sale and storage of non-vegetarian food and eggs within 500 metres of the Somnath temple, while asking the High Court to preferably decide the pending appeals within two months.

A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and P B Varale was hearing a challenge by eateries, including Taj Restaurant, whose owner Aakib Aminbhai Khan questioned the restriction imposed by the Gir Somnath District Magistrate.…