NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday said it will soon issue an order “in a couple of days”, may be on November 7, on regulating the feeding of dogs in institutions, including those of the government, where the employees support canines in such areas.
The three-judge bench headed by Justice Vikram Nath and also comprising Justices Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria is hearing the suo motu case registered by the court in connection with the stray dog menace across the country.
“We will be issuing some directions with respect to… specifically regarding government institutions, public sector institutions, and other big institutions where the employees are supporting, feeding, and encouraging dogs in that area,” Justice Nath said.
The court fixed the matter for orders on November 7.
Although counsel appearing for some intervenors requested that the court hear them before passing the order, the bench declined. “For institutional matters, we are not going to hear any averment at all,” said the bench, adding it will continue to hear the parties after the interim order.
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While hearing the matter of stray dogs on October 27, the Supreme Court noted that reports of attacks are being used to malign India’s image abroad, and came down heavily on states and Union Territories for failing to file affidavits in compliance with its previous directions on the issue.
The court directed chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories – except West Bengal and Telangana – to appear personally and explain the lapse.
On Monday, the respective chief secretaries appeared in person before the court and informed the bench that they had filed their compliance affidavits.
Taking note, the bench said their personal presence will “no longer be required” but cautioned that “their presence would again become necessary in case there is any default in compliance with orders passed by this court.”
The bench also allowed impalement and intervention applications where deposit amounts of Rs 25,000 or Rs 2 lakh, as applicable. It had asked NGOs and dog lovers who wanted to become parties in the matter to first deposit with the court’s registry.
The Supreme Court bench also allowed intervention applications by victims, but directed that they need not make any such money deposit. The bench also issued notice to the Animal Welfare Board of India.
In July, the Supreme Court took up the matter of stray dogs suo motu after media reports highlighted serious and fatal attacks by stray dogs in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). A two-judge bench initially ordered the civic bodies in the area to capture and permanently shelter all stray dogs within eight weeks. This directive faced criticism from animal welfare groups, who described it as “too harsh” and impractical.
Justice Vikram Nath , Justice Sandeep Mehta , Justice N V Anjaria
