Stray Dog Menace Sparks Intense Discussion in Supreme Court Following Lawyer’s Injury
The Supreme Court recently became the epicenter of a fervent discussion on the escalating issue of stray dogs in India. This conversation was ignited when Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud noticed an injury on Advocate Kunal Chatterjee’s hand and delved into its cause.
Upon being questioned by the CJI, Chatterjee revealed,
“Five dogs pounced on me.”
Expressing immediate concern, CJI Chandrachud offered assistance, stating,
“Do you need any medical attention? I can ask the registry to look into this.”
The incident not only highlighted the personal peril faced by individuals but also underscored the broader societal implications of the stray dog problem. Justice Narasimha remarked,
“This is becoming a menace.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, present during the discussion, emphasized the gravity of the situation by recounting a heart-wrenching incident from Uttar Pradesh.
“There was a case in UP. A boy was bitten by a dog. He got rabies and he was seen in the lap of his father dying. The doctor and the father were completely helpless,”
Mehta shared.
CJI Chandrachud also shared a personal anecdote, revealing,
“Two years ago, my law clerk was parking his car and he was also attacked by street dogs.”
Senior Advocate Vijay Hansaria, deeply moved by the conversation, implored the Chief Justice to take suo motu action on the
“street dog menace”
to ensure the safety and well-being of the nation’s citizens. Responding to the plea, CJI Chandrachud assured,
“We will see what can be done.”
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that another bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justices JK Maheshwari and KV Viswanathan, is already examining a series of petitions related to the stray dog issue. These petitions include appeals from decisions made by the Kerala and Bombay High Courts. A recent application from Kerala’s Kannur district panchayat has sought directives to humanely euthanize suspected rabid or extremely dangerous dogs. This plea was made following a tragic incident where an 11-year-old autistic child was fatally attacked by a pack of stray dogs in Kerala’s Kannur district.
The incidents and discussions underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the stray dog issue in India, ensuring both the safety of its citizens and the well
