Tripura HC pulls up AMC over slaughterhouse delay, seeks monthly report

Agartala: The Tripura High Court has reprimanded the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) for an inordinate delay in the execution of the proposed modern slaughterhouse project in the city, while simultaneously directing stringent and sustained monitoring of unauthorised meat vendors and illegal slaughtering activities.

Hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Ankan Tilak Paul, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and Justice Biswajit Palit expressed serious dissatisfaction over the pace of progress and administrative lapses surrounding the project.

The Bench noted that although the work order for civil construction was issued as early as June 11, 2025, the actual possession of the project site was handed over to the contractor only on February 1, 2026, reflecting what the court described as an avoidable procedural delay.

Notably, the affidavit submitted by the AMC Commissioner failed to specify any concrete timeline for completion of the slaughterhouse, further drawing judicial concern.

Recalling its earlier directive dated February 22, 2022, mandating the establishment of a proper abattoir, the court observed that the continued delay undermines both public health considerations and regulatory compliance. It categorically termed the delay a serious issue warranting immediate corrective action and time-bound execution.

In a significant direction, the court instructed the AMC Commissioner to submit a detailed affidavit, along with all relevant annexures, documenting correspondence with the state government regarding the release of funds. This, the court indicated, would help ascertain administrative bottlenecks and accountability in the stalled project.

During the proceedings, the petitioner, appearing in person, brought to the court’s notice the continued operation of several unauthorised meat shops and illegal slaughter points across areas such as Abhoynagar and Bhagaban Thakur Chowmuhani, alleging a lack of effective enforcement by civic authorities.

Taking serious note of these submissions, the court directed the Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), West Tripura, to actively coordinate with the AMC and institute a system of monthly reporting before the court. These reports are to include identification of unauthorised operators, details of enforcement action taken, and compliance status.

The court further expanded the scope of monitoring to include environmental and sanitation concerns. It directed that the DLSA’s monthly reports must also contain specific details on the disposal of waste generated from slaughtering activities, including those arising from temporary slaughter facilities mentioned in the AMC’s affidavit.

Strengthening enforcement mechanisms, the Bench directed the District Magistrate and Collector of West Tripura, in coordination with the Superintendent of Police, to extend all necessary assistance to the AMC in implementing court directives, particularly those issued in the 2022 order.

The AMC has also been tasked with ensuring continuous surveillance of temporary slaughterhouses and unlicensed meat vendors, maintaining hygiene standards at such sites, and enforcing proper waste management protocols.

The court permitted the corporation to seek technical assistance from the Tripura State Pollution Control Board wherever necessary.

Additionally, the court ordered that copies of its directions be formally communicated to all concerned authorities, including the DLSA, district administration, police authorities, and the Pollution Control Board, to ensure coordinated compliance.

The AMC Commissioner has been further directed to submit periodic action-taken reports, indicating measurable progress both in project execution and regulatory enforcement.

The matter is scheduled for the next hearing on June 16, 2026.