High Court Restores License of ‘Happiest Hour’ Bar Near Rabindra Bhavan, Government to Appeal Before Division Bench This Week

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, November 3, 2025

In a major development, Justice T Amarnath Gaur of the High Court of Tripura has reinstated the excise license of Happiest Hour bar, located adjacent to Rabindra Bhavan in Agartala, which had earlier been cancelled by the state administration.

The controversial bar, which had faced administrative closure, will now be able to resume its operations following the High Court’s order. The court observed that the cancellation of the license by the authorities lacked sufficient justification under the excise regulations, leading to its decision to restore the permit.

However, sources in the state administration have confirmed that the government is preparing to challenge the order. An official appeal is likely to be filed before the Division Bench of the High Court within this week.

The reopening of Happiest Hour near Rabindra Bhavan has already sparked public discussions, as the location had earlier been at the center of controversy involving cultural sensitivities and zoning concerns.

While supporters of the bar’s return see the verdict as a victory for business rights and judicial fairness, critics argue that the establishment’s proximity to a prominent cultural center remains inappropriate.

The matter is expected to see further legal proceedings once the state’s appeal is heard by the Division Bench in the coming days.

more news...