CJI Gavai agrees to review SC order on removal of stray dogs in Delhi

Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai has assured that he will examine a recent Supreme Court directive instructing authorities to remove all stray dogs from the streets of Delhi and relocate them to shelters. The issue was highlighted by a lawyer, who referenced an earlier Supreme Court ruling that prohibited the indiscriminate killing of dogs and emphasised the need for compassion towards all living beings.

The lawyer drew attention to the order issued on 11 August by a bench of justices JB Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan, which mandated that stray dogs be removed from all localities in Delhi within six to eight weeks. “This is with regard to community dogs... There cannot be indiscriminate killing of canines,” the lawyer said, citing the previous judgment in which Justice Karol had been a part.

CJI Gavai responded: “But the other judge bench has already passed orders. I will look into this,” according to LiveLaw.

The August bench had directed authorities across Delhi-NCR, including Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad, MCD, and NDMC, to commence the capture of stray dogs, particularly in vulnerable localities, with no compromise. It ordered that no captured animal be released back onto the streets. Contempt proceedings were threatened against anyone obstructing the drive.

The Supreme Court also instructed municipal and state authorities to establish shelters with adequate staff for sterilisation and immunisation of the animals. Additionally, it called for a helpline to ensure that dog bite complaints are registered promptly, with offending animals picked up within four hours. Authorities are required to maintain daily records of captured dogs, and CCTV monitoring has been mandated to ensure compliance.

The directive has sparked debate over balancing public safety with animal welfare, with the CJI now set to examine the matter further before any enforcement proceeds.