Introduction
Supreme Court street dog case in India: Supreme Court Justice Vikram Nath recently made a lighthearted remark during a legal awareness event in Kerala. He stated that he is now better known among the public due to the street dog case, which went viral across India and even gained global attention.
Justice Vikram Nath’s Remark
At a conference on Human-Wildlife Conflict organized jointly by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and the Kerala State Legal Services Authority (KELSA) in Thiruvananthapuram, Justice Vikram Nath humorously said:
“Earlier, I was only familiar within legal circles. But because of the street dog case, people across India and even globally know my name. Dog lovers and even the dogs themselves seem to be blessing me now.”
He expressed gratitude to Chief Justice of India (CJI) for entrusting him with the matter.
Background of the Street Dog Case
On August 11, 2024, a bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice R. Mahadevan directed municipal authorities to capture stray dogs in Delhi and place them in special shelters within eight weeks.
However, the ruling sparked strong protests from animal rights activists and dog lovers, who argued that it violated animal welfare guidelines.
Following the backlash, the case was transferred to a three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath, along with Justice Sandeep Mehta and Justice N.V. Anjaria.
Revised Supreme Court Order
On August 22, 2024, the bench modified the earlier ruling. The new order stated:
- Captured dogs must be vaccinated.
- They should receive deworming medication.
- After treatment, they must be released back from shelters into their original locations.
This balanced approach aimed to address both public safety concerns and animal rights protections.
Supreme Court street dog case in India: Expert Views
According to legal experts and animal welfare organizations such as People for Animals (PFA) and FIAPO (Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations), the judgment reflects India’s evolving animal rights jurisprudence.
They highlight that this case sets an important precedent on how urban stray animals should be managed without violating animal welfare laws.
FAQs on Supreme Court Street Dog Case in India
1. What was the Supreme Court’s ruling on street dogs?
The Court directed that stray dogs be captured, vaccinated, dewormed, and then released, instead of being permanently kept in shelters.
2. Why did Justice Vikram Nath become popular because of this case?
He humorously admitted that the street dog case gave him recognition among the public, not just in legal circles.
3. What was the controversy in the earlier ruling?
The initial order mandated keeping dogs in shelters, which led to protests from animal lovers, prompting the revised judgment.
Supreme Court street dog case in India: Conclusion
Justice Vikram Nath’s witty remark at the Kerala event highlights how the Supreme Court street dog case in India has become one of the most widely discussed legal issues in recent times. The judgment balances public health, legal authority, and compassion for animals, setting a new direction for animal welfare in the country.
Supreme Court street dog case in India: Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, please consult a qualified professional.