The Delhi High Court has ordered the Delhi government to pay ₹2.5 lakh in compensation to the parents of a five-month-old infant who was killed in a dog attack. Justice Purushendra Kumar Kaurav highlighted the serious issue of stray dogs in the national capital, noting its impact on human life and dignity.
While granting the ex-gratia payment, the court acknowledged a lack of clarity regarding whether the dog involved was a stray or an abandoned pet. This ambiguity, the court stated, prevents it from applying the principle of res ipsa loquitur, which holds that the occurrence of an accident implies negligence, thereby complicating any claims against the Delhi Municipal Corporation.
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The court emphasized the need for responsible management of stray dogs, advocating for a compassionate approach that ensures a balance between human safety and animal welfare. It noted that addressing the issue requires a multi-dimensional response to foster an environment of empathy and coexistence.
The ruling came during the hearing of a petition filed by the child’s mother, who sought ₹50 lakh in compensation for the tragic incident. The attack occurred in 2007 when the family’s three children were asleep in their home. The dog entered their room and attacked the infant. Hearing the commotion, the parents rushed to intervene, but despite being taken to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, the child later succumbed to his injuries.