"I Will Look Into This": Chief Justice on Supreme Court Order on Stray Dogs
The Supreme Court’s Directive
On August 11, 2025, the Supreme Court bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan ordered civic authorities in Delhi–NCR to relocate all stray dogs—sterilized or not—to designated shelters within eight weeks. The order further stated that none of these dogs should be returned to the streets. Authorities were permitted to form special task forces, and contempt proceedings could be initiated against anyone obstructing the process.
Conflict with Existing Laws and Rulings
The decision marks a sharp departure from previous judicial positions. In May 2024, a bench led by Justices Maheshwari and Karol reaffirmed the constitutional mandate of compassion, prohibiting indiscriminate killings of canines. Additionally, the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2023 mandate that stray dogs must be sterilized, vaccinated, and returned to their original localities—not permanently confined. The August 2025 directive appears to directly contradict both this legislation and earlier Supreme Court rulings.
The Chief Justice’s Assurance
When a related plea was mentioned before Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai on August 13, he responded with a brief but significant assurance:
“I will look into it.”
This statement has opened the door to possible judicial review or harmonization of conflicting legal directions.
Public Reaction: A Divided Response
Public opinion on the order is sharply split. Many Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) welcomed it, citing rising dog bite cases and public safety concerns, especially for children. Conversely, animal rights activists and NGOs condemned it as inhumane, unscientific, and unworkable given severe shelter shortages. They warn of ecological imbalances—such as increased rodent or monkey populations—and overcrowded shelters with poor animal care.
Political and Celebrity Opposition
The political backlash was swift. Rahul Gandhi denounced the order as “cruel” and “shortsighted,” while other Gandhi family members, including Priyanka, Maneka, and Varun Gandhi, also voiced their concerns. Celebrities such as Janhvi Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, and Vir Das labeled the directive a “death warrant” for stray dogs, urging citizens to oppose it and consider adoption.
Protests and Editorial Criticism
Street protests have erupted in Delhi, including at India Gate and Connaught Place, leading to the detention of 35–50 demonstrators. Media outlets have also weighed in; an Economic Times editorial criticized the Supreme Court’s order as arbitrary, unconstitutional, and dismissive of proven, science-based animal population control methods.
Challenges in Implementation
Practical difficulties loom large. Shelters such as the Dulari Animal Welfare Centre are already overcrowded. Many NGOs face funding shortages, staffing limitations, and lack of space. Activists warn that without proper infrastructure, mass relocation could lead to neglect, disease outbreaks, and substandard care.
What Lies Ahead
CJI Gavai’s statement suggests a possible review of the August directive. Future solutions may include integrating sterilization and vaccination into any relocation plan, exploring community-based reintegration, and improving shelter infrastructure before removal efforts begin. The core challenge remains striking a balance between public safety and the constitutional principle of compassion for animals, a balance that will likely define the future of urban stray dog policy in India.