Agartala, April 16, 2026: The High Court of Tripura has expressed serious concern over delays in the construction of a proposed slaughterhouse in Agartala and directed authorities to expedite the project while ensuring strict action against unauthorized meat vendors operating in the city.

Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (WP(C)(PIL) No. 02 of 2019) filed by petitioner Ankan Tilak Paul, a division bench comprising Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao and Justice Biswajit Palit noted that although a work order for the slaughterhouse was issued on June 11, 2025, the site was handed over only on February 1, 2026, with no clear timeline provided for completion.

The court observed that the delay was a “very serious” matter, especially in light of its earlier directive dated February 22, 2022, instructing the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) to establish a proper abattoir. It directed the AMC Commissioner to submit detailed correspondence with the state government regarding fund release for the project in the form of an affidavit during the next hearing.

Taking note of allegations regarding the continued operation of unauthorized slaughterhouses and meat shops in areas such as Abhoynagar and Bhagaban Thakur Chowmuhani, the court instructed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), West Tripura, to coordinate with AMC and submit monthly reports. These reports will include identification of illegal operators and actions taken against them.

The court further directed that the reports must also address the disposal of waste generated from both temporary and unauthorized slaughterhouses, emphasizing the need for proper hygiene and environmental safeguards.

To ensure effective implementation, the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of West Tripura have been asked to assist AMC in enforcing the court’s directives. The municipal body has also been instructed to regularly monitor temporary slaughterhouses and unlicensed vendors, ensuring sanitation and proper waste management, with support from the Tripura State Pollution Control Board if necessary.

Additionally, the AMC Commissioner has been directed to file monthly Action Taken Reports (ATR) on compliance measures. The matter has been listed for further hearing on June 16, 2026.