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Journalism of Courage
The Supreme Court on Monday said it will issue directions on November 7 on regulating the feeding of stray dogs in government institutions, and similar premises where the employees support canines.
Even as the counsel appearing for some intervenors requested that the top court hear them before passing the order, the bench declined. “For institutional matters, we are not going to hear any averment at all,” said the bench, adding that it will continue to hear the parties after the interim order.
Earlier, while hearing the matter on October 27, the Supreme Court had noted that the reports of attacks by stray canines are being used to malign India’s image abroad. The court came down heavily on states and union territories for failing to file affidavits in compliance with its previous directions on the issue.
The court directed chief secretaries of all states and union territories – except West Bengal and Telangana – to appear personally and explain the lapse.
On Monday, the respective chief secretaries appeared in person before the court and informed the bench that they had filed their compliance affidavits.
Taking note, the bench said their personal presence will “no longer be required” but cautioned that “their presence would again become necessary in case there is any default in compliance with orders passed by this court.” The bench also allowed impleadment and intervention applications where deposit amounts of Rs 25,000 or Rs 2 lakh, as applicable. It had asked NGOs and dog lovers who wanted to become parties in the matter to first deposit it with the court’s registry.
The Supreme Court bench also allowed intervention applications by victims, but directed that they need not make any such deposit. The bench also issued notice to the Animal Welfare Board of India.
In July, the Supreme Court had taken up the matter of stray dogs suo motu after media reports highlighted serious and fatal attacks by stray dogs in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
A two-judge bench initially ordered the civic bodies in the area to capture and permanently shelter all stray dogs within eight weeks. This directive, however, faced criticism from animal welfare groups, who described it as “too harsh” and impractical.
In response to the public outcry, Chief Justice B R Gavai assigned the case to a three-judge bench, and the order was modified. The bench on August 22 stayed the directive for permanent sheltering and expanded the scope of the case to include all states and Union Territories.
