On Thursday, a three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court will take up the suo motu matter titled ‘In Re: City hounded by strays, kids pay price’, as debate intensifies over the relocation of stray dogs in Delhi and the surrounding NCR region.
Animal welfare groups, public figures, and some politicians have opposed the relocation directive, pointing out that Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram do not have adequate facilities to carry out a mass transfer of dogs in the short time allowed.
Critics argue that removing dogs from their existing territories will only allow new ones to take their place. They insist on fully enforcing the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules as the long-term solution.
According to the causelist on the Supreme Court’s website, the Bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria will likely hear the case.
Earlier Relocation Orders
Earlier this week, during the same hearing, a Bench led by Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan instructed municipal bodies across Delhi-NCR to take immediate action in relocating stray dogs to authorised shelters.
Citing serious concerns over public safety and the rising number of rabies cases, the Pardiwala-led Bench described the situation as ‘grim’. It called for urgent action to safeguard children, women, and the elderly.
The court directed the NDMC, MCD, and civic agencies in Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad to ensure the streets are entirely free of strays. It warned that any group or individual obstructing the removals would face strict legal consequences.
The order sparked a strong backlash, with animal welfare supporters nationwide taking to social media to criticise the move and express concern for the well-being of stray dogs.
On Wednesday, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, however, noted that the court would ‘look into’ the issue after a lawyer mentioned a plea for the sterilisation and vaccination of community dogs in Delhi.
The lawyer also referred to a 2024 order by a Bench led by Justice JK Maheshwari. This order prohibited the killing of stray animals and, moreover, affirmed 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 noted.
Also Read: Supreme Court To ‘Look Into’ Stray Dogs Relocation In Delhi-NCR, Says CJI BR Gavai
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