Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai on Tuesday assured that he would “look into” the Supreme Court’s recent directive to shift all stray dogs from residential areas of Delhi-NCR to shelters. The assurance came after the order, passed a day earlier by another bench, triggered widespread debate and appeals from animal rights advocates.
Monday’s Order and Its Rationale
On Monday, a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, taking suo motu note of media reports about rising incidents of dog bites and rabies, directed civic authorities to remove stray dogs from localities and house them in shelters.
“We need to round up with whatever means to ensure dog-free locality, and that’s how children and the aged will feel safe,” the bench said, making it clear that no petitions from dog lovers or other parties would be entertained. “We are not doing this for us. It is for the public interest. So, no sentiments of any nature should be involved. Action should be taken at the earliest,” Justice Pardiwala added.
Resident Welfare Associations largely welcomed the order, citing safety concerns, but animal welfare groups objected, warning that civic bodies lacked resources for such a large-scale exercise.
Previous Court Directions Cited
During Tuesday’s hearing, counsel pointed out to the CJI a May 2024 Supreme Court order by Justice J.K. Maheshwari that had barred relocation and killing of stray dogs, and directed adherence to existing legal provisions. That order had emphasised that “exhibiting compassion to all living beings is a Constitutional value.”
CJI Gavai responded, “I will look into this,” raising hopes among animal rights activists that the earlier principles may be reconsidered in light of Monday’s directive.
Backlash from Civil Society
The latest order sparked strong criticism from political figures, celebrities, and animal welfare organisations. Actor John Abraham sent an urgent appeal to the CJI seeking a review. Former Union minister Maneka Gandhi described the directive as “impractical,” “financially unviable,” and “potentially harmful” to Delhi-NCR’s ecological balance.
PETA India also opposed the move, terming it unscientific and ineffective. “Communities think of neighbourhood dogs as family, and the displacement and jailing of dogs is not scientific and has NEVER worked… It will also ultimately do nothing to curb the dog population, reduce rabies or prevent dog bite incidents,” said Dr. Mini Aravindan, Senior Director of Veterinary Affairs at PETA India.
