New Delhi: The Supreme Court will on Thursday hear afresh a suo motu case titled “In Re: City hounded by strays, kids pay price” as debate continues over the relocation of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR.
Animal rights activists, celebrities and political figures have objected to the earlier order, pointing out that Delhi and other NCR cities such as Noida and Gurugram lack the facilities needed for large-scale relocation within a short timeframe. They have also argued that removing dogs from their territories would simply make space for new arrivals, calling instead for strict enforcement of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
According to the court’s causelist, the matter will be heard by a Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria.
Earlier this week, a Bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan directed all municipal bodies in Delhi-NCR to capture stray dogs and move them to designated shelters. Expressing concern over public safety and the rising incidence of rabies, the Bench described the situation as “grim” and urged urgent action to protect children, women and the elderly.
The court ordered the NDMC, MCD and civic agencies in Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad to make streets free of strays, warning that any group or organization obstructing the process would face strict legal action.
The order sparked strong criticism on social media, with animal lovers across the country voicing concern for the welfare of stray dogs.
On Wednesday, Chief Justice of India B R Gavai said the Supreme Court would “look into” the issue after a lawyer mentioned a plea seeking sterilization and vaccination of community dogs in Delhi. The lawyer also referred to a 2024 order by a Bench led by Justice J K Maheshwari, which prohibited killing stray animals and stressed compassion for all living beings as a constitutional value.
“But the other judge Bench has already passed orders. I will look into this,” CJI Gavai said.