CJI BR Gavai will review the Supreme Court’s order to remove Delhi-NCR stray dogs within eight weeks, amid criticism it contradicts previous rulings protecting canines under animal welfare laws.
A plea challenging the recent ruling of the Supreme Court of India to relocate all the stray dogs of Delhi-NCR and put them into shelters within 8 weeks was raised in front of Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai's bench. Responding tot he plea, he assured that he willThe look into the matter.
Supreme Court passed an order to put all the dogs on the streets of Delhi-NCT to be removed and housed in shelters set up by the concerned authorities.
While some people applauded the order, saying that it was 'much-needed', a large group of people criticized it, labelling it as 'illogical' and 'a cold move'.
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The matter was put before the CJI, reminding of a previous order that protects the dogs from being killed or relocated. The plea stressed the need to follow existing animal welfare laws.
The ruling of the Supreme Court also stated that anyone who interferes in the process of removing stray dogs will be held accountable and strict action will be taken against such individuals.
The bench also came down heavily on the Animal Birth Control Rules, which require that sterilized dogs be returned to their original location. The bench called this provision 'absurd' and stated, “Whether sterilized or not, society must feel free and safe. You should not have any stray dogs roaming around.”
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The lawyers argued that this order clashes with a judgment passed on May 9, 2024. The case was overseen by Justices Maheshwari and Karol, who concluded long-pending proceedings after the introduction of the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023.
The ruling emphasized that 'under all circumstances, there cannot be any indiscriminate killing of canines'.
CJI Gavai gave a ray of hope by stating, "I will look into this." The case is now expected to be further examined legally and constitutionally.
