The debate over the Supreme Court’s stray dog stay order has intensified, with its suo motu case in which a two-judge bench on August 11 directed the relocation of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters now transferred to a three-judge bench.
The three bench Justices includes Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria, is scheduled to hear the matter tomorrow.
The Supreme Court has directed civic bodies across Delhi-NCR to immediately capture and relocate stray dogs to shelters, citing serious concerns over public safety and the rising risk of rabies. The Justice Pardiw ala-led bench described the situation as “grim,” emphasizing that urgent action.
The Supreme Court has ordered the NDMC, MCD, and civic bodies in Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad to remove stray dogs from streets, warning that any organization hindering this effort will face strict legal action.
The Supreme Court’s directive to relocate stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets to shelters has ignited a heated debate, pitting public safety concerns against animal welfare. The court’s order requires civic agencies to capture and house stray dogs in designated shelters within eight weeks, sparking widespread criticism from animal lovers and activists.
CJI Take
In the wee hours, Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai stated the Supreme Court would “look into” the issue after a lawyer mentioned a plea on the sterilisation and vaccination of community dogs in Delhi.
The lawyer also referred to a 2024 apex court order passed by a Justice J.K. Maheshwari-led Bench that barred the killing of stray animals and emphasised compassion towards all living beings as an enshrined Constitutional value.
“But the other judge Bench has already passed orders. I will look into this,” CJI Gavai told the lawyer.