Move comes after public backlash and conflicting court orders on relocating stray dogs in Delhi-NCR.
Larger Bench to Review Controversial Stray Dog Order
The Supreme Court has referred the recent stray dog relocation order to a larger bench. This decision follows strong public criticism and conflicting earlier rulings on the issue.
On Thursday, a three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and NV Anjaria will hear the matter. This comes after Chief Justice of India BR Gavai assured a relook into the earlier two-judge bench order that mandated the relocation of all stray dogs in Delhi and the NCR to shelter homes.
Background: The Original Relocation Order
- Earlier this week, a bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan ordered that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be rounded up and moved to shelters within eight weeks.
- The order was given in light of rising incidents of dog bites and attacks.
- The bench stated that public interest outweighed sentiment, and that the rules could be “forgotten for the time being.”
Public Outcry and Practical Concerns
Animal activists, political leaders, and citizens criticized the order, citing:
- Lack of infrastructure: Delhi and NCR cities lack adequate shelters to house the estimated 3 lakh stray dogs.
- Cost concerns: Former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi estimated the relocation could cost around ₹15,000 crore.
- Ecological imbalance: Removing dogs could lead to increased monkeys, rats, and other urban wildlife issues.
Conflicting Supreme Court Rulings
In a previous order, another Supreme Court bench led by Justices Sanjay Karol and JK Maheshwari had:
- Emphasized the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which require sterilized and vaccinated dogs to be returned to their locality.
- Stressed compassion and constitutional values in handling stray animal cases.
- Prohibited indiscriminate killings of dogs.
What’s Next?
The larger bench will now decide whether the relocation order will stand, be modified, or be overturned.
This case is set to be a landmark moment in balancing public safety, animal welfare, and legal consistency in India’s urban spaces.
The Supreme Court’s move signals a crucial pause in a heated debate. As the larger bench steps in, the verdict could redefine how India manages its stray animal population—setting a precedent for years to come.
Also Read : CJI BR Gavai Promises Review of Supreme Court Order on Stray Dogs in Delhi-NCR
