Supreme Court to deliver verdict on stray dogs case on November 7
PTC Web Desk: The Supreme Court on Monday announced that it will pronounce its verdict on the issue of stray dogs on November 7. A special three-Judge Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice NV Anjaria made the observation while noting the presence of the Chief Secretaries from most states and Union Territories (UTs) in court.
The Bench further directed that the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) be made a party to the proceedings. At the outset, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that most states and UTs have already filed their compliance affidavits in the matter.
The Bench stated, “List the matter for judgment on November 7.” It also clarified that the personal appearance of the Chief Secretaries would no longer be required. However, the court warned that if there is any default in compliance with its orders, their presence would once again be made mandatory.
During the previous hearing on October 27, the apex court had directed the Chief Secretaries of all states and UTs, except West Bengal and Telangana, to appear before it on November 3, after several states failed to file compliance reports despite earlier directions issued on August 22.
On August 22, the Supreme Court had sought details from the states and UTs regarding the steps taken to enforce the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, aimed at managing the stray dog population humanely. The court had expressed displeasure over non-compliance, observing that recurring dog-bite incidents were tarnishing the country’s image abroad.
The court has since expanded the scope of the suo motu case, originally limited to Delhi-NCR, to include all states and Union Territories.
The suo motu proceedings were initiated on July 28, following media reports highlighting the rise in rabies cases in Delhi, particularly among children, due to stray dog attacks.
- With inputs from agencies
