New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday said it will soon issue directions regulating the feeding of stray dogs within government offices and institutional premises, as part of its ongoing hearings on the management of stray animals across India.
A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria made the observation, noting that a detailed order will be released in the next few days. “We will issue directions shortly regarding government institutions where employees have been supporting and encouraging stray dogs,” Justice Nath stated during the proceedings.
The remarks came during a hearing on the implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, which govern sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs.
Court Declines Plea to Be Heard Before Passing Directions
Senior Advocate Karuna Nundy, appearing for an intervenor, urged the Bench to allow her client to present submissions before the directions were finalized. The court, however, declined the request, with Justice Nath saying, “With regard to government institutions, we will not hear.”
Nundy also highlighted alleged irregularities in how the Delhi municipal authorities have been designating feeding zones for stray dogs, a matter that the court said would be examined during the next hearing.
States Warned Over Delayed Compliance
The Bench took note of the appearance of Chief Secretaries from several States and Union Territories, who were previously summoned for failing to submit affidavits on the implementation of the ABC Rules. After reviewing the latest compliance reports, the court permitted them to skip personal appearances in future hearings — but cautioned that any further delay or default would lead to renewed summons.
Justice Nath expressed displeasure that many states had ignored earlier orders despite the court’s directions being “widely reported” in the media. He remarked that the judiciary was being compelled to intervene in issues that ideally should have been managed by local bodies and state governments.
New Parties Added to the Case
In a significant move, the court ordered the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to be added as a respondent in the ongoing case. It also allowed victims of dog-bite incidents to participate as intervenors without paying the deposit fee that had earlier been imposed.
According to an earlier order dated August 22, individuals and organizations representing dog welfare were required to deposit ₹25,000 and ₹2 lakh, respectively, to participate in the proceedings. The exemption for victims of dog attacks marks a departure from that rule.
Background of the Case
The current proceedings stem from the court’s October 27 order, which summoned Chief Secretaries from all States and Union Territories — except West Bengal and Telangana — for failing to report on the progress of the Animal Birth Control program. At that time, only West Bengal, Telangana, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi had complied with the court’s directives.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had earlier requested that the Chief Secretaries be allowed to appear virtually rather than in person, but the court refused, emphasizing the seriousness of the states’ non-compliance.
The Bench also confirmed that Senior Advocate Gaurav Agarwal would continue as amicus curiae (friend of the court) in the matter.
Broader Implications
The case is being closely watched, as it deals with a growing national concern — the balance between animal welfare and public safety, especially in urban areas where stray dog attacks have become increasingly frequent. The upcoming directions on feeding practices in government premises are expected to set a precedent for public spaces across India.
