In a major move, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma declared a statewide ban on the serving and consumption of beef in restaurants, hotels, and public spaces. The decision was made following a state cabinet meeting, which included an amendment to the existing laws surrounding beef consumption. Although the consumption of beef itself is not illegal in Assam, the Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021 already regulates cattle transportation, slaughter, and the sale of beef in the state. Under this Act, the slaughter of cattle and sale of beef is prohibited in areas with a majority Hindu, Jain, or Sikh population, as well as within a five-kilometer radius of temples or satras.

The Assam Cattle Preservation Act, passed in August 2021, has now been expanded. Initially, it placed restrictions within a five-kilometer radius of temples; however, the new provisions extend these curbs to other areas of the state. Chief Minister Sarma expressed confidence in the success of previous measures to protect cows and announced this new decision as a further step in that direction. Violating these new regulations could result in imprisonment of three to eight years, along with fines ranging from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.

This controversial decision comes amidst political debates, with the opposition walking out during the passage of the Assam Cattle Preservation Bill in the state assembly. Despite the opposition's concerns, the government aims to enforce the new amendments for better regulation of beef sale and consumption in Assam.