NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court is set to deliver a pivotal ruling today on whether to uphold, modify, or suspend its August 8 order directing civic authorities in Delhi and neighboring districts Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad to capture all stray dogs and relocate them to shelters. The decision, to be announced by a three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath, alongside Justices Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria, follows intense debate sparked by the initial directive.
The August 8 order, issued by Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, mandated the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and other civic bodies to round up stray dogs within eight weeks and house them in shelters designed to hold at least 5,000 animals. A detailed order released on August 11 emphasized welfare measures for the dogs but prohibited their release back onto the streets. The directive triggered widespread controversy, with animal welfare organizations, including PETA India, labeling it “impractical, illogical, and illegal,” citing potential violations of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Animal Birth Control Rules.
Public reaction has been polarized, with protests erupting in Delhi, including a demonstration near India Gate where activists were detained. Prominent figures like Rahul Gandhi and Maneka Gandhi criticized the order, advocating for humane solutions. Meanwhile, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, highlighted public safety concerns, noting 37 lakh annual dog bite cases across India.
The issue escalated when Chief Justice Bhushan R Gavai reassigned the case to the current bench after concerns were raised about inconsistencies with prior rulings. On Thursday, an animal rights group’s plea for an urgent hearing was denied, leaving the August 8 order in effect pending today’s verdict. The court’s decision will determine whether Delhi’s estimated million stray dogs face mass relocation or if alternative measures will be adopted to balance public safety and animal welfare.