Supreme Court judge Justice Vikram Nath on Saturday said that while his professional reputation had largely been within legal circles, the high-profile stray dogs case has brought him recognition “not only in this country but world over.”
Speaking at a conference on human-wildlife conflict in Kerala, Justice Nath expressed gratitude to Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai for entrusting him with the matter. “So far, I have been known in the legal fraternity for the little work I do, but I am thankful to the stray dogs (case) for making me known to the entire civil society… and I am thankful to my CJI for allotting me that matter,” he said.
The event, organised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KeLSA), was attended by Supreme Court and High Court judges. Justice Nath recounted how, at a recent lawyers’ gathering, many association presidents enquired about the case, and even joked that he was now receiving “blessings and good wishes” not only from dog lovers but from dogs themselves.
He also reiterated the judiciary’s emphasis on the public trust doctrine, stating, “Natural resources are not the property of the state, but a trust to be preserved for present and future generations.”
The stray dogs issue had escalated after a Bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan on August 11 directed municipal authorities in Delhi to round up stray dogs and establish shelters within eight weeks. Following widespread protests by animal rights groups, the matter was reassigned to a three-judge Bench led by Justice Nath.
On August 22, the Bench of Justices Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N.V. Anjaria modified the earlier order, directing that dogs be released from shelters after deworming and vaccination.
