The Supreme Court will announce its ruling on Friday regarding the relocation of stray dogs in the Delhi-NCR region, a matter that has stirred strong debate and opposition from animal rights organisations.
The verdict will be pronounced by a three-judge Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria, in the suo motu case titled ‘In Re: City Hounded by Strays, Kids Pay Price’.
The case stems from an earlier order passed by a two-judge Bench led by Justice JB Pardiwala, directing municipal authorities in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad to capture all stray dogs and move them to designated shelters.
That order, issued in response to growing concerns over public safety and rabies incidents, instructed civic bodies to make the streets free of strays and warned of legal consequences for anyone obstructing the process.
The directive, however, triggered widespread resistance from animal welfare groups and citizens, who argued that the region does not have sufficient shelter capacity to house the vast stray population.
Critics also pointed out that the order clashed with a 2024 Supreme Court ruling, which had recognised the rights of stray animals and underscored compassion and coexistence as constitutional principles.
Following the mounting controversy, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai stepped in and formed a three-judge Bench to reconsider the issue, keeping in mind earlier judgments that prohibited the killing of strays and called for their humane treatment.
The apex court’s causelist states that the judgment will take place on Friday.
The court is also likely to hear a linked petition that challenges a similar directive issued by the Rajasthan High Court on stray dog management.
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