Today, On 27th October, The supreme court expressed anger over rising stray dog incidents, saying India is being portrayed in a bad light internationally and ordered all Chief Secretaries to appear before it on November 3.
The Supreme Court criticized state governments for failing to submit affidavits demonstrating compliance with its August directive to capture, neuter, and release stray dogs nationwide.
The Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice N.V. Anjaria expressed concern over the growing number of stray dog incidents and said that the issue was now tarnishing India’s image internationally.
Justice Vikram Nath remarked,
“8 weeks were given now an explanation is needed. Incidents are happening everyday and the image of the country being dragged down even on international level.”
During the hearing, Senior Advocate Nakul Dewan informed the court that there was an order to pay Rs.25,000 for impleadment.
He said,
“We have the demand draft ready, but the Registry hasn’t accepted it yet,”
The Supreme Court then observed,
“We will clarify regarding the acceptance of bank drafts.”
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Senior Advocate A.M. Singhvi, appearing for the Humane Society, told the court,
“We’re recognised by the AWBI and have sterilised around 2 lakh dogs and treated about 4 lakh. We’re known as the Humane Society this will help the Court reach a solution.”
The court responded by directing Singhvi to furnish the bank draft, to which he assured,
“Yes, we’ll comply with the order and furnish it.”
Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra then submitted that there was also a contempt matter that needed to be listed and said,
“We’ll provide the details.”
Another advocate mentioned that the issue of cruelty towards dogs also required attention.
At this point, Justice Nath made a strong observation, saying,
“And what about cruelty towards humans? If every RWA wants to be made a party, we’ll end up with crores of parties before us. You are doctorate in law. Please make reasonable suggestions.”
Directing strict compliance, Justice Nath ordered,
“We will direct the Chief Secretary of the NCT to be present. All Chief Secretaries must appear before the Court on November 3 and explain the delay in filing compliance affidavits. If they fail to appear, costs will be imposed or coercive action taken. Didn’t the officers read newspapers or social media? Even without formal notice, they should have been here. All Chief Secretaries must be present on November 3 otherwise, we’ll hold the court in an auditorium.”
The matter has now been adjourned and will be taken up on November 3 for further hearing.
The court expressed frustration, noting that there had been numerous reports of stray dog attacks since its order.
“Yet no reply (has come) from state governments. Your country is being portrayed in a bad light internationally!”
It stated, adding,
“Two months granted… yet no response!”
The court demanded explanations from all state and union territory governments that had not submitted affidavits.
Chief secretaries were instructed to provide these explanations in person on Monday, November 3.
The Bench noted that as per its earlier order dated August 22, only Delhi, West Bengal, and Telangana had filed their compliance affidavits. Notices have already been issued to all other states and union territories.
The court said the matter will be listed again next Monday and directed all states to submit their explanations for the delay.
Earlier order of August 11, passed by a Bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, had created huge controversy. That order had directed that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR must be caught and sent to shelters within eight weeks.
The Court at that time had taken serious note of the rising number of dog bite cases and rabies-related deaths. In fact, official figures from 2024 showed at least 37 lakh dog bite cases and 54 suspected deaths due to rabies.
The apex court, On Aug 22, changed its earlier order of August 11 that had directed authorities to round up all stray dogs in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) and to keep them permanently in shelters without release.
A three-judge Bench of Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria ruled that stray dogs should be sent back to their original locations after proper medical care.
Case Title: IN RE: CITY HOUNDED BY STRAYS, KIDS PAY PRICE V THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH SMW(C) No. 5/2025
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