Agartala, March 27: The Tripura High Court has directed the state government to issue a transit permit to an NGO, allowing it to transport rescued cows from Tripura to its gaushala facility in Jharkhand.
The order was passed after a writ petition filed by the Dhyan Foundation, which sought permission to relocate rescued bovines to its shelter. Hearing the matter on March 23, Justice T. Amarnath Goud directed authorities to issue the necessary permit to facilitate the transfer.
The court allowed the transportation of cattle with due care and caution, mandating strict compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and the relevant 2017 rules. It also instructed that assistance be provided for the movement of cattle through Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Bihar en route to Jharkhand.
A representative of the foundation, Gaurav Yadav, said the organisation is currently caring for around 2,100 cattle rescued by the Border Security Force in Tripura. He added that approximately 22,000 bovines rescued by various agencies are already housed at its Chakulia gaushala in Jharkhand.
The organisation approached the court citing better infrastructure, lower fodder costs and reduced exposure to cattle smuggling networks in Jharkhand. Yadav also raised concerns about ongoing cattle smuggling from Tripura to Bangladesh and cautioned against distributing rescued animals among individuals, citing potential risks to their safety.
The court’s direction is expected to streamline the regulated transfer of rescued cattle over a long distance while ensuring adherence to animal welfare norms.
