The Tripura government has taken decisive action by revoking the licence of a bar-cum-restaurant in Agartala after a series of violations came to light, sparking controversy and criticism from opposition parties.
The establishment, owned by Goutam Debnath, faced backlash from visitors on its opening day for alleged entry restrictions and operating hours extending beyond what was permitted under the Tripura Excise Act. Opposition parties accused the government of promoting a “night club culture” by allowing a bar in close proximity to the Rabindra Centenary Hall, a renowned cultural venue.
In response to public outcry, Chief Minister Manik Saha ordered an investigation into the matter, which was carried out by West Tripura District Magistrate Vishal Kumar. The inquiry uncovered multiple breaches of licensing conditions, prompting the immediate cancellation of Licence No. 97 issued to Debnath.
The investigation revealed that the bar served liquor beyond the legal operating hours, hosted a DJ-cum-dance event without permission, used unauthorized enclosures for alcohol service, and failed to submit a mandatory employee list as required by the licence. Despite receiving two show-cause notices, Debnath did not respond, leading authorities to interpret his silence as an admission of guilt.
District Magistrate Kumar condemned the violations as a “serious breach of law and deliberate disregard for regulations,” invoking Clause 18 of the licence which allows for forfeiture in cases of infringement. Consequently, all operations of the bar have been ordered to cease immediately, with Debnath instructed to surrender the original licence, liquor stock, business records, and CCTV footage to the Superintendent of Excise to avoid potential prosecution under the Tripura Excise Act, 1987.
Furthermore, it has come to light that the bar was established in a building previously owned by a chit fund company that collapsed following a SEBI crackdown on unregulated firms defrauding investors of approximately ₹14,000 crore. The Tripura High Court had allocated the property to the state government for official use, raising questions about the legality of operating a commercial bar on the premises. Authorities are investigating whether this constitutes contempt of court.
The cancellation of the bar’s licence marks a significant step in upholding the rule of law and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements in Tripura. The government’s swift action in response to public concerns demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the integrity of licensing processes and preserving the cultural sanctity of the region.
