Sale of meat in open is not allowed, important instructions of High Court to Agartala Municipal Corporation

The Tripura High Court has given strict directions against the sale of meat in the open and in public places. While ordering the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) to stop the sale of meat in the open on the roads and in public places, it has been asked to make a long-term plan. The High Court has asked to set up slaughter houses in the state.

A division bench of the Tripura High Court headed by Chief Justice Indrajit Mahanti and Justice SG Chattopadhyay has given several guidelines to the AMC regarding the sale of meat. These have to be implemented in six months. These directions were given on 22 February on a public interest litigation filed by advocate Ankan Tilak Pal.

It has been said in the order that special attention needs to be paid to cleanliness in the licensed premises of meat shops. The sale of meat products should not take place in public places or on the streets. The court said that meat should be sold only in slaughterhouses or slaughterhouses. Until these are made, it can be sold at places provided by the municipality.

Along with this, the High Court has asked the AMC to inform the Forest Department in case of slaughter of birds or animals of endangered species, so that the department can take necessary legal action. Agartala Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr. Shailesh Kumar Yadav told the court that a tender has been issued on February 21 for the construction of a slaughterhouse. Its construction will be completed in 18 months from the date of acceptance of tender. A total of 139 people have been given license to sell meat in the city.

The High Court also asked the AMC to fix some places for the slaughter of animals. Some officers should also be trained with the help of veterinary department to check the quality of meat. Sewage treatment plants should also be installed at meat selling places for cleanliness so that waste materials are not directly discharged into the drainage or into the rivers. The High Court also directed the Pollution Control Board, Police and other departments of the state to help the AMC in this work.