‘Not being allowed to protest’: Delhi Police detain, book animal rights activists after demonstration against SC order on stray dogs

According to the police, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has been imposed near Parliament, and no gathering is allowed ahead of Independence Day and during the House’s ongoing Monsoon Session.

“Around 27 people who gathered at Kartavya Path to hold the protest were detained Monday evening. They were later booked for violating the prohibitory orders under Section 223 of the BNS at Kartavya Path Police Station,” an officer said.

The officer said the people did not take permission as well.

‘We stand for what is right’

Before the protests, a message was posted on social media calling people to gather near Amar Jawan Jyoti at about 7 pm. “At this time of challenge for our street animals, we stand together in compassion, courage, and unity. Let us gather — feeders, rescuers, caregivers, and every heart that beats for the voiceless — to affirm that kindness is our shared strength.”

“…Together, we will light the flame of solidarity — for the dogs who trust us, for the law that protects them, and for the values that make us human. Please come, bring your love, your voice, and your presence. When we stand together, we stand for what is right,” the message stated.

Several demonstrators, including caregivers, expressed deep concern over the implementation of the SC order on stray dogs, warning of grim consequences for the animals.

“We are not being allowed to protest… We want the dogs to be protected. There are no shelter homes to accommodate so many dogs. In the end, they will throw all the dogs outside Delhi, where they will die,” a caregiver told reporters while being escorted away by the police.

Earlier in the day, a bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan directed the Delhi Government, municipal corporations, and the administrations of Noida, Gurgaon, and Ghaziabad to remove stray dogs from the streets and place them in dedicated shelters. The bench stressed that the canines should not be released back onto the streets once relocated.

The court, which took suo motu cognisance of the issue on July 28 following a news report about the stray dog menace, described the situation in the National Capital Region as “grim” and called for “immediate steps” to protect public safety. It also warned that individuals or organisations obstructing the relocation process could face action.

The court directed the authorities “to maintain a daily record of stray dogs captured and detained”. “However, what is important, and without which the entire exercise would be futile, not a single stray dog should be released, and if we know that this has happened, we will take stern action,” it said.