Verdict and Review Announcement
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice B.R. Gavai announced that he will review the Supreme Court judgment on the removal of stray dogs from Delhi and NCR. The announcement comes in response to objections by several individuals and groups.
Court Orders
The Supreme Court bench, headed by Justice Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan, directed that all stray dogs in Delhi and NCR be relocated to shelters within eight weeks. The bench announced that stray dogs are not permitted in public spaces in Delhi. The bench cautioned that stringent action will be initiated against any group attempting to obstruct the order. The bench further stated that it will only accept arguments from the central government and not accept petitions by animal rights organizations or other parties.
Reason for the Decision
The court noted increasing rabies fatalities in Delhi and NCR due to stray dog bites. The order seeks to curb such attacks by sending stray dogs to controlled shelter homes.
Opposition and Criticism
Animal rights organizations condemned the verdict. Ex-Union Minister and animal activist Maneka Gandhi labeled the ruling impractical. She stated that Delhi had approximately 3 lakh stray dogs and would require some 3,000 shelters, which would cost almost ₹15,000 crore. She asked if the Delhi government could pay for the same.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the decision as moving away from humane and science-driven animal policies followed for decades. He called the massive eviction of street dogs as inhumane. Priyanka Gandhi also shared her disagreement. Many actors, such as John Abraham, Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Siddharth Anand, and Adivi Sesh, showed their support for stray dog safeguarding.
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