• Location: Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda district, Punjab

• Issue: Sale of liquor, meat, and tobacco is still ongoing even after the state government declared Talwandi Sabo a holy city.

• Government Order: On December 15, 2025, Punjab notified holy city status for Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, and Talwandi Sabo, following a Vidhan Sabha resolution passed on November 24 at Anandpur Sahib.

• Religious Significance: Talwandi Sabo houses Takht Damdama Sahib, one of the five Sikh Takhts.

Why the delay?

• Officials say liquor vendors have already paid their excise license fees, creating legal hurdles in immediate closure.

• There are 1–2 liquor vends within municipal limits.

What officials said:

• SDM Pankaj Bansal: Authorities will hold meetings with stakeholders to ensure coordination before enforcement.

• ETO Bikramjit Singh Blar: Vendors have been directed to shift outside municipal limits; orders will be implemented “in letter and spirit.”

Ground situation:

• Local residents report that tobacco products like cigarettes are still being sold.

• Shopkeepers may take time to clear existing stock before full compliance.

Status:

• Matter under consultation with the Excise Department; enforcement expected after resolving legal issues.