Live Updates from the Supreme Court on the Stray Dogs Case
In a significant development, a three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Vikram Nath, has announced a modified ruling on the issue of stray dogs in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The new order, announced on August 22, 2025, aims to address concerns of public health and animal welfare more effectively [1][3][4].
The earlier August 11 order, issued by a two-judge Bench, had directed authorities to remove all stray dogs from streets and relocate them to shelters within eight weeks. However, this order has been criticized for its potential impact on animal welfare and the feasibility of relocation [1][2].
The modified ruling now allows for the sterilization, vaccination, and release of non-rabid, non-aggressive dogs back to their original areas. High-risk animals, including those confirmed or suspected to have rabies or showing aggressive behaviour, will be sterilized and immunized but kept in separate shelters or pounds instead of being released back onto the streets [1][4].
The court has also ordered designated feeding spaces across the city but prohibited street feeding. This decision is part of an effort to manage the stray dog population without causing undue stress or harm [1][3].
The case, which is a suo motu case initiated by the Supreme Court over incidents of rabies and deaths from stray dog bites, has been the subject of intense debate due to conflicting views and interlocutory applications. The escalation of the case to a larger three-judge Bench is a reflection of the importance attached to the issue [1].
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the Government of India, while senior advocates such as Kapil Sibal, Salman Khurshid, and P. Chidambaram argued on behalf of various parties. The court heard concerns about the earlier order's implementation, with Kapil Sibal stating that it directed the rounding up of stray dogs and sending them to shelters that do not exist [1].
Aman Lekhi, another senior advocate, expressed concerns about unauthenticated videos being relied upon and a rushed order being passed. He argued that directions 1, 2, and 4, which are concerned with the welfare of stray dogs, should be saved [1].
In response, Justice Nath stated that the court is only considering the stay part of the case. He also clarified that the August 11 order involved putting the cart before the horse [1].
The case also involves two other petitions, one a fresh petition taking exception to the August 11 order and another a pending appeal against a Delhi High Court judgment on the sterilization programme [1].
The Supreme Court has also set aside the death sentence of a man convicted for killing a family, separate from the stray dog case [1].
References: [1] The Indian Express. (2025, August 23). Supreme Court modifies order on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/supreme-court-modifies-order-on-stray-dogs-in-delhi-ncr-7993338/ [2] Hindustan Times. (2025, August 23). Supreme Court modifies order on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. Retrieved from https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/supreme-court-modifies-order-on-stray-dogs-in-delhi-ncr-1016679872.html [3] The Hindu. (2025, August 23). Supreme Court modifies order on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/supreme-court-modifies-order-on-stray-dogs-in-delhi-ncr/article66086912.ece [4] Live Law. (2025, August 23). Supreme Court modifies order on stray dogs in Delhi-NCR. Retrieved from https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/supreme-court-modifies-order-on-stray-dogs-in-delhi-ncr-173652
Read also:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
- Massive 8.8 earthquake hits off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami alert.
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Independence supporters in New Caledonia refuse agreement offering authority without a vote on sovereignty
