New Delhi: Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Wednesday, Auagust 13, said that he would examine an urgent mention relating to the Supreme Court’s recent order directing the removal of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets. His statement comes after an advocate flagged concerns over the move's legality and consistency with previous judgments.
During the mentioning, the lawyer referred to an earlier ruling, wherein Justice Sanjay Karol was part of the bench, that prohibited indiscriminate killing of canines and underscored the need for “compassion for all living beings”. In response, CJI Gavai said, “But the other judge bench has already passed orders. I will look into this.”
Court’s August 11 Order Sparks Outrage
The controversy stems from an August 11 order by a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, which described an “extremely grim” situation caused by stray dog bites leading to rabies, particularly among children.
Citing public safety concerns, the court directed Delhi-NCR authorities to permanently relocate all stray dogs to shelters “at the earliest” and to create facilities for at least 5,000 canines within six to eight weeks. The bench warned of strict action, including contempt proceedings, against anyone obstructing the relocation process.
The judges controversially questioned whether animal activists and “so-called lovers” could “bring back children who fell prey to rabies”.
Suo Motu Case on Public Safety
The directions were issued in a suo motu case initiated on July 28 over the rising number of stray dog bites in the national capital. The bench also said existing dog shelters would need to be augmented over time to accommodate the relocated animals.
While the order has been welcomed by some as a decisive step to protect citizens, it has also faced criticism from animal welfare advocates, who argue it contradicts established law on humane stray dog management and risks mass culling under the guise of relocation.
