Supreme Court summons Chief Secys of all states, UTs over stray dog menace, slams inaction on ABC rules
PTC Web Desk: In a strong reprimand to states and Union Territories for their failure to act against the growing stray dog menace, the Supreme Court on Monday directed the Chief Secretaries of all states and UTs, except West Bengal and Telangana, to personally appear before it for not submitting compliance affidavits on the implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
The matter came up during the hearing of a suo motu case titled “In Re: City Hounded By Strays, Kids Pay The Price.” A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice NV Anjaria expressed deep dissatisfaction over the widespread non-compliance, remarking that frequent incidents of stray dog attacks were “projecting India negatively before the international community.”
The court said only Bengal and Telangana and MC of Delhi had filed replies, though these were not on record since they were submitted over Diwali break.
Questioning the absence of responses from several administrations, Justice Nath asked, “Why has the NCT not filed its affidavit? The Chief Secretary must come up with an explanation; otherwise, the court may impose costs and take coercive action.”
Addressing Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave, the Bench further remarked, “Notices were issued to all States and UTs. Do your officers not read newspapers or follow social media? The issue has been widely reported. Once aware, they must act responsibly.”
The court has directed all Chief Secretaries to appear before it on November 3, warning that if they fail to do so, the hearing may be shifted to an auditorium to accommodate all officials.
- With inputs from agencies
