The Supreme Court expressed surprise on Tuesday at the large number of applications filed against the court’s interim order in the stray dog case. Observing the unusually high number of applications, Justice Sandeep Mehta noted that such a volume is uncommon, even in cases involving humans.
The matter was raised before a bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Mehta by two lawyers, who informed the court that they had filed applications challenging the interim order and requested a hearing. In response, the justices announced that all petitions related to the matter would be heard on Wednesday. A special bench including Justice Nath, Justice Mehta, and Justice N.V. Anjaria has been constituted to hear the case.
The Supreme Court had taken suo motu cognisance on July 28, following media reports indicating a rise in dog bite incidents in Delhi and nearby areas, which were causing cases of rabies in children. On November 7, concerned about the increasing incidents of dog bites in schools, hospitals, and railway stations, the apex court issued an interim order directing that stray dogs be removed from such locations and sent to shelters.
The order also mandates that the dogs be sterilised and vaccinated. Even after sterilisation, they are not to be released back to their original locations. Additionally, the court directed the removal of all types of cattle and other animals found roaming on national and state highways and expressways. The interim order has sparked protests in Delhi and adjoining areas over the past few days, particularly regarding the relocation of stray dogs to shelters.
