Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale urges the Supreme Court to review its stray dog order, stressing they are not a nuisance and deserve compassion, in a letter to the CJI.
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NEW DELHI: On 11 August 2025, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India passed a set of sweeping directions in the suo-motu matter SMW(C) No. 5/2025, ordering the immediate removal of stray dogs from Delhi streets and the creation of large-scale shelters within just eight weeks.
The decision has led to strong reactions, with concerns raised about the feasibility, legality, and humane implications of the order. One of the strongest objections has come from Rajya Sabha MP Saket Gokhale, who on 12 August 2025 addressed a detailed letter to the Chief Justice of India seeking a stay and review of the directions.
MP Opposing the Order
In his letter, Saket Gokhale argues that while public safety is important, the current directions are impractical, legally questionable, and inhumane. His objections rest on the following grounds:
- The order contradicts the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which already provides a humane framework for relocation, sterilisation, and population control of stray animals.
- Creating adequate shelters for Delhi’s entire stray dog population in just 8 weeks is virtually impossible. Such haste risks the construction of substandard facilities that could endanger the lives of the animals.
- Humane stray dog management requires coordinated action by municipal bodies, animal welfare organisations, veterinarians, and citizens. Judicial orders alone cannot replace collaborative planning.
- The limited time frame could lead to chaotic execution, worsening rather than solving the stray dog issue. Existing humane handling protocols could be ignored in the rush.
- The Court’s stance sidelines animal feeders, rescuers, and compassionate citizens, treating them as obstacles rather than allies in managing the issue.
- The MP proposes forming a committee of experts from government bodies, legal experts, and animal welfare groups to devise a long-term, humane solution rather than enforcing rigid, short-term measures.
MP’s Appeal to the Chief Justice
Through his letter, Gokhale has requested that the Supreme Court,
- Stay the current directions and refer the matter to a larger Bench for review.
- Constitute a committee of experts and stakeholders to create a humane, legally sound solution.
- Allow intervention applications so that concerned organisations and citizens can assist in resolving the matter.
The Supreme Court’s Observations
The Supreme Court of India on Monday directed the Delhi Government, MCD, and NDMC to immediately remove stray dogs from all localities, prioritising vulnerable areas, and to ensure no compromise in making neighbourhoods dog-free.
A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan ordered the creation of proper dog shelters within eight weeks, equipped with adequate staff for sterilisation and vaccination, and monitored by CCTV. The Court also instructed setting up a helpline within one week to report dog bites and rabies cases, with authorities required to act within four hours of receiving a complaint.
The bench warned of strict legal action against any individual or organisation obstructing the removal of stray dogs. It criticised animal rights activists opposing such measures, stressing that public safety, especially of children, takes priority over sentimental objections.
The suo motu proceedings followed repeated incidents of rabies and fatal dog attacks. The Court emphasised that all dogs picked up must be kept in shelters and not released back into public spaces.
CASE TITLE:
IN RE: CITY HOUNDED BY STRAYS, KIDS PAY PRICE
SMW(C) No. 5/2025
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