AGARTALA (Friday, March 27, 2026) — The High Court of Tripura has reprimanded the state government for obstructing the relocation of rescued cattle, directing authorities to immediately issue transit permits to the NGO Dhyan Foundation. The order facilitates the transfer of approximately 2,100 bovines from Tripura to the organization’s larger facility in Chakulia, Jharkhand.
Judicial Reprimand: “Cruelty by Delay”
During the hearing on March 23, Justice T. Amarnath Goud sharply criticized the state’s inconsistent stance on cattle welfare.
- Fodder Cost Disparity: The court noted the government’s refusal to provide fodder due to high costs—₹24.70 per kg in Tripura compared to ₹1 in other states—while simultaneously blocking the NGO from moving the animals to cheaper regions.
- Lack of Statutory Authority: Justice Goud ruled that the state has no legal power to obstruct the lawful inter-state transportation of animals, particularly when the current conditions in Tripura amount to “cruelty” due to inadequate space and resources.
- Security Concerns: The court highlighted the risk of cattle smuggling to Bangladesh, noting that the state’s proposal to distribute rescued cows among local individuals could jeopardize their safety and violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rules, 2017.
The Relocation Plan
The Dhyan Foundation, which currently manages nearly 22,000 cattle in Jharkhand, argued that the move is essential for the animals’ long-term survival.
| Factor | Current Status (Tripura) | Proposed Status (Jharkhand) |
| Cattle Count | ~2,100 rescued by BSF | Existing facility for 22,000 |
| Fodder Cost | ~₹24.70 / kg | ~₹1.00 / kg |
| Threat Level | High (Smuggling mafia) | Lower (Established infrastructure) |
| Transit Route | Via Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, and Bihar. |
[Image: Map showing the transit route of cattle from Tripura to Jharkhand through neighboring Eastern states]
Court-Mandated Safeguards
The High Court has laid down strict conditions for the transit to ensure the welfare of the animals:
- Strict Compliance: All transportation must adhere to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the Transport of Animals Rules, 1978.
- State Assistance: The Tripura government is directed to provide full assistance for the unhindered shifting of the cattle.
- Transit Permits: The state must issue the necessary permits without further delay to avoid “indefinite detention.”
Sources
- Northeast Today: “Tripura High Court Pulls Up State Over Cattle Transport Row” (March 23, 2026).
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Tripura HC directs govt to allow transportation of rescued cows to Jharkhand” (March 27, 2026).
- India Today NE: “Tripura HC directs state to allow transport of rescued cows to Jharkhand gaushala” (March 27, 2026).
- Tripura Chronicle: “High Court rebukes state government over cattle transport blockade” (March 23, 2026).
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