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On a Public Interest Litigation relating to the rampant illegal sale of meat and unlicensed slaughtering across Tripura, the Tripura High Court passed an order directing that “sale of meat products should not be allowed in public places and/or streets.”

The bench of Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanty and Justice S. G. Chattopadhyay issued an array of directions in this regard and asked the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) to take action against open slaughtering of animals and sale of meat outside the slaughterhouse.

The AMC had informed the court that to ensure that the trade is carried out in a legal and hygienic manner, tendering process for setting up a fully equipped slaughterhouse has already been initiated which will take 18 months for its construction.

To this, Court directed the AMC authorities to prepare a long-term plan for not only setting up the slaughterhouse but also for ensuring disposal of meat trade garbage in an appropriate scientific manner.

Additionally, court asked the AMC to consider providing locations where slaughter can be carried out till the proposed slaughterhouse becomes operational. Court also stressed that such locations should also be appraised to the licensee concerned so that they can carry on with their businesses.

The AMC had informed the court that total of 139 persons had been given trade licenses for dealing with meat. To this, court added that “if more people apply for licenses the same shall be considered and disposed of at an early date so that people are not deprived of essential needs.”

Significantly, expressing its concerns over the quality of meat being sold in the markets, court directed government agencies and Pollution Control Board for consistent monitoring over the trade.

Court said, “Inspection must be carried out of all licensed premises and in particular attention should be kept that hygienic conditions are being maintained within the licensed premises.”

Court also directed the AMC to seek the Veterinary Department’s help in appointing officials who will be authorized to certify the quality of meat or meat products available for public sale.

Notably, all agencies including the local police authorities have also been directed to render all necessary assistance to the AMC for enforcing and/or assisting in carrying out its duties.

Furthermore, court asked the AMC to notify the Forest Department, particularly Chief Wildlife Warden, if they come across any sale of banned endangered species of animals.

Court added, “in that event the Forest Department shall take all necessary steps to ensure that such sale does not take place and necessary steps in accordance with law shall be initiated by them.”

Lastly, court ordered that an affidavit regarding compliance of the abovementioned directions shall also be filed within 6 months.

Case Title: Sri Ankan Tilak Paul v. State of Tripura and Ors.