New Delhi: Chief Justice of India BR Gavai has assured a review of the recent Supreme Court order directing the relocation of all stray dogs from residential areas in Delhi-NCR to shelters, following a surge in dog bite and rabies cases.
The order, passed on Monday by a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, aimed to create “dog-free localities” for public safety, particularly for children and the elderly. However, it sparked a nationwide debate, drawing both support and criticism.
RWAs Welcome, Activists Protest
Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) largely welcomed the move, citing safety concerns. But animal rights activists warned that municipal bodies lacked the funds and infrastructure to carry out such a large-scale operation.
Former Union minister and animal welfare advocate Maneka Gandhi called the directive “impractical,” “financially unviable,” and “potentially harmful” to the ecological balance. PETA India also condemned the plan, calling mass displacement “unscientific” and ineffective in controlling stray populations, rabies, or bite incidents.
CJI’s Assurance to Review
This morning, the CJI was informed about a May 2024 order by Justice JK Maheshwari, which prohibited the relocation and killing of stray dogs, upholding the constitutional value of compassion for all living beings. “I will look into this,” Justice Gavai said, raising hopes for animal lovers opposing the relocation move.
Celebrity & Public Pushback
The ruling also drew backlash from civil society, celebrities, and politicians. Actor John Abraham submitted an urgent appeal to the CJI, urging a reconsideration. Animal rights groups argued that community dogs are often seen as part of the neighbourhood and removing them would neither solve the problem nor improve public safety in the long term.
As the debate intensifies, the Supreme Court may soon revisit the contentious issue, balancing public safety with animal welfare.
