Tripura High Court Tightens Monitoring on Illegal Roadsides Meat Trade, Seeks Monthly Reports from AMC
By Our Correspondent
Amarpur, April 11, 2026
The Tripura High Court has intensified its oversight on illegal roadside meat selling and slaughtering activities in Agartala, directing authorities to ensure strict compliance with its earlier orders and to submit regular progress reports. The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and Justice Biswajit Palit heard the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Ankan Tilak Paul, who had first approached the court in 2019 highlighting the rampant practice of unauthorized roadside slaughtering and unhygienic meat sales.
Court Expresses Concern Over Continued Violations. During the hearing, the petitioner informed the court that several unauthorized meat shops and temporary slaughterhouses are still operating in areas such as Abhoynagar and Bhagaban Thakur Chowmuhani in Agartala. It was also alleged that adequate action has not been taken by the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) to evict such operators.
Taking note of these concerns, the High Court reiterated the need for strict enforcement and accountability.
The court issued several important directions to ensure implementation of its earlier orders:
The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), West Tripura has been directed to coordinate with AMC and submit monthly reports before the High Court. These reports must include identification of illegal operators and actions taken against them. The DLSA will also report on waste management practices, particularly regarding garbage generated from slaughterhouses, including temporary facilities.
The District Magistrate & Collector, West Tripura, along with the Superintendent of Police, have been directed to assist AMC in implementing court orders effectively.
The AMC Commissioner has been asked to file monthly Action Taken Reports (ATR) on steps taken in this matter.
The court noted that although a work order for construction of a modern slaughterhouse was issued in June 2025, possession of the site was given only in February 2026, and no clear completion timeline has been provided.
Calling the delay serious, the court stressed that the project must be completed at the earliest, as it is crucial for regulating meat processing and ensuring public health.
In 2019, advocate Ankan Tilak Paul filed a PIL in the Tripura High Court against illegal roadside slaughtering and meat sales.
In 2022, the High Court passed a landmark order:
Banned slaughtering of animals in public places and roadsides.
Directed AMC to stop illegal meat sales.
Ordered creation of hygienic facilities for licensed vendors.
Prohibited open and unhygienic display/sale of meat.
The court had also mandated:
Temporary slaughter arrangements until a permanent facility is built.
Regular inspections of licensed shops.
Certification of meat quality by veterinary authorities.
Scientific waste disposal systems, including installation of STPs if required.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on June 16, 2026, where the court will review compliance based on the submitted reports. The Tripura High Court has made it clear that illegal roadside meat trade must be completely stopped, and authorities, especially AMC, will now be under continuous judicial monitoring. The case remains a significant step toward ensuring public health, hygiene, and regulated urban governance in Agartala.
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