The Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver a verdict on Friday regarding a order that called for the removal of stray dogs from the Delhi-NCR region. A special three-judge bench, composed of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria, had reserved its decision on the matter on August 14.
The final judgment is expected to be announced today. The original order, which mandated the removal of all stray dogs within eight weeks, triggered widespread protests throughout the capital region. The protests against the Supreme Court's order led to several detentions by the police in Delhi-NCR and also resulted in an alleged attack on Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Here is a summary of the case leading up to today's verdict:
On August 11, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court issued a series of directives, including an order for authorities in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) to "at the earliest" begin picking up stray dogs from all localities and relocating them to dog shelters. The ruling was the outcome of a suo motu case initiated on July 28, following a media report on stray dog bites, particularly among children, that had led to rabies cases in the national capital.
This blanket order, issued by the apex court, provoked widespread protests across the country. Animal rights activists advocated for more humane solutions, such as the vaccination and neutering of strays.
Following the backlash, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai stated that he "will look into the matter." A special three-judge bench was then formed to hear the suo motu case along with other petitions related to stray dogs. On August 14, this new bench stated that the "whole problem" of stray dogs in Delhi-NCR was a consequence of the "inaction" of local authorities, who had "done nothing" to implement the Animal Birth Control Rules regarding the sterilisation and immunisation of canines. The bench reserved its verdict on the request for a stay on certain directions from the August 11 order.
Animal rights activists condemned the August 11 order as cruel, unscientific, and potentially ineffective. Demonstrators and police clashed at India Gate and other major locations in Delhi.
Also Read: SC order on stray dogs:Delhi CM says refrain from 'harsh action'
Activists, politicians, and many veterinarians argued that the judges had not given sufficient consideration to the fact that the universal method for managing dog populations is through sterilisation and vaccination.
One individual, a dog lover from Gujarat, allegedly went so far as to physically attack Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at a public hearing earlier in the week. The individual reportedly expressed anger over the BJP government's agreement to abide by the order. The government's lawyer had told the Supreme Court that "there is a very loud vocal minority (against the capture order) and a silent suffering majority."
There were also isolated incidents where some people clashed with government teams that had come to remove the dogs, attempting to free the captured canines. First Information Reports (FIRs) have been filed in these cases.
Also Read: In the interest of humans as well as dogs: SC on stray dogs case
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