Tripura HC Stresses Strict Compliance with Animal Cruelty Prevention Laws
Last Updated on December 30, 2024 by Athi Venkatesh
The Tripura High Court emphasized strict enforcement of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, and related rules. The division bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Biswajit Palit directed the State to ensure guidelines are followed at all levels and recirculated to field officers.
The Court heard a PIL filed by Paramita Sen, an advocate and animal rights activist from NGO Society for Welfare of Animal and Nature (SWAN). The case highlighted an incident on July 25, 2024, in Kamrangabari, Unakoti District. A vehicle illegally transporting cattle in inhumane conditions was seized but later released by police without following legal procedures.
The petitioner alleged that local activists faced pressure to withdraw complaints and pointed to violations of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, Transport of Animals Rules, 1978, and Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The Government Advocate informed the Court that action was taken against the inspector involved, who received a final warning for negligence. The Superintendent of Police, Unakoti District, issued this warning on November 22, 2024, along with instructions to prevent future violations.
The petitioner sought directions for strict adherence to the law in handling animal seizures and releases. The Court affirmed the need for compliance with the Act, its rules, and guidelines. It also instructed the authorities to circulate these rules again to ensure adherence by ground-level officers.
The Court’s remarks aim to prevent recurrence of such incidents and strengthen enforcement of animal welfare laws.
Case Title: Ms. Paramita Sen v. The State of Tripura & Ors.
