Tripura Government May Cancel Licence of ‘Happiest Hour’ Bar Cum Restaurant Near Rabindra Bhavan Very Shortly

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, September 14, 2025

The Tripura government is likely to cancel the licence of the newly opened ‘Happiest Hour’ bar-cum-restaurant, located in a government-owned building beside Rabindra Bhavan in the heart of Agartala, following strong statewide criticism.

The permission for the establishment, run by Oval Engineering Pvt. Ltd. and owned by Gautam Debnath of Dhaleswar, has triggered outrage across political, cultural, and social circles. Critics argue that running a liquor-based business next to a cultural landmark like Rabindra Bhavan is inappropriate and harmful to the state’s social fabric.

Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has already ordered an investigation into how such a licence was granted. Finance and Revenue Minister Pranajit Singha Roy assured media that the government never goes against people’s emotions and will not do so in this case either. He further clarified that no nightclub approval had been issued for the venue and promised strict action if rules are found to be violated.

West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar has begun a detailed probe into the activities of the restaurant from its first day of operation. After receiving complaints of the outlet staying open late into the night, the DM served a show cause notice to the owner. Minister Pranajit Singha Roy said that if any violation of licensing conditions is proven, immediate administrative measures including cancellation of the licence will be taken.

The controversy has drawn criticism from all corners. Opposition leaders including CPI(M) state secretary Jitendra Choudhury, Congress leaders Ashish Saha and Sudip Roy Barman, and former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar have demanded immediate cancellation. Adding to the pressure, BJP’s own leaders and intellectuals have also spoken against the decision. Former BJP president Ranajoy Deb questioned whether allowing bars and nightclubs contributes to society-building, stressing that such establishments should not operate in cultural hubs.

With both the Chief Minister and the Finance Minister hinting at corrective measures, political observers believe the government may very shortly revoke the licence of ‘Happiest Hour’ to address public anger.

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