The Tripura High Court has emphasized the need for strict adherence to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, along with the Rules and guidelines framed under it, in the matters of seizure and release of such seized animals involved in illegal and inhumane transportation.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Biswajit Palit directed the State authorities to circulate these guidelines among field officers to prevent further violations in the matter of transporting cattle including cows, claves and bulls.

"We are of the considered view that the Act of 1960, the Rules framed thereunder, and the guidelines issued from time to time by the statutory authorities do need to be observed scrupulously at all levels by the concerned authorities. The concerned respondents would also ensure that such guidelines be once again circulated to the officers in the field so that cases of noncompliance of the provisions of the Act of 1960 and Rules framed thereunder by the officers at the ground level are not repeated again," the Bench ordered.

During the hearing, the petitioner Paramita Sen appeared in person, and Advocate General S.M. Chakraborti, along with Advocates K. N. Bhattacharyya and P. Chakraborty, appeared for the respondent.

The Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by an Advocate and animal rights activist associated with the NGO Society for Welfare of Animals and Nature (SWAN). The petitioner highlighted an incident on July 25, 2024, at Kamrangabari, Kailashahar, where cattle, including cows, calves, and bulls, were allegedly transported in an inhumane manner in violation of the 1960 Act, the Transport of Animals Rules, 1978, and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.

The petitioner alleged that despite a complaint lodged with the Kailashahar Police Station, the seized cattle and vehicle were released without following the prescribed procedures. The complainant also claimed to have faced pressure to withdraw the complaint.

The Government Advocate informed the Court that disciplinary action had been taken against the concerned police inspector, who received a "final warning" for negligence, as per an office order issued on November 22, 2024. The authorities assured the court that measures were in place to ensure compliance with the law in future cases.

The petitioner requested the court to issue directions to enforce strict compliance with the 1960 Act and its Rules in handling cases of animal seizure and release.

The Bench noted, "Upon hearing the stand of the respondent, learned petitioner-inperson submits that so far as the instant case of irregular release of cattle is concerned, since adequate action has been taken by Superintendent of Police, Unakoti, therefore, the petitioner would not like to press the charge further."

Cause Title: Ms. Paramita Sen v. The State of Tripura & Ors. [WP(C) (PIL) No.5 of 2024]

Click here to read/download the Order



Justice Aparesh Kumar SinghJustice Biswajit PalitTripura High CourtPrevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960

Sukriti Mishra

    Sukriti Mishra was a Legal Correspondent at Verdictum. She covered the Supreme Court. She completed her graduation with BA. LL.B (Hons.) from The ICFAI University, Dehradun. Sukriti started covering courts in March 2022. She had previously worked with another legal news portal, where she covered the Delhi High Court and Trial Courts.