Bhushan: Lot of literature there. This is a matter for experts. Please consider appointment of expert committee
Ramachandran (for Maneka Gandhi): My client has been a Union cabinet minister for years
J Nath: A little while ago you were telling us court should be circumspect, did you find out what kind of statements she has been making?
Ramachandran: Ofcourse. If I can appear for Ajmal Kasab, I can appear for her.
J Nath: Your client has committed contempt. We have not taken action, that's our magnanimity. You see what she says, her body language!
Ramachandran: Lawyers and judges will be on different plain when it comes to public comments. Let me address on applications.
Bhushan: Ultrasound of dogs can also be done
J Mehta: Why can't we ask the dog to carry the certificate?
Bhushan: I want to say, your lordships have been making remarks during hearing, some of them get misinterpreted
J Mehta: No problem. Unrealistic arguments are being made
Bhushan: Sometimes, remarks of the court lead to consequences. Like, suppose, bench sarcastically made remark that feeders should be made responsible. That was reported...
J Nath: No no, not at all sarcastic. We were serious. We don't know what we will do. But we were serious
Sr Adv Raju Ramachandran: As member of the Bar, I also want to say on this. Proceedings are televised. There's duty on both bar and bench to be circumspect
J Nath: We are aware. We are refraining keeping this in mind.
Adv Prashant Bhushan: Universally it has been recognized that if you have effective sterilization...
J Mehta interjects: That has been argued, no sorry
Bhushan: It has worked in some cities...this system has unfortunately not worked in most cities. Sterilization over a period of time reduces stray dogs population. It also reduces aggressiveness. How to make it effective? Make it transparent and people accountable. There should be a system where people can report stray dogs who seem to be non-sterilized. There should be designated authorities to respond to complaint. They must come, examine and see.
Counsel for Bharti Tyagi: I have given a note on how international jurisdictions are dealing with the issue. One successful instance is of the Netherlands. To discourage abandonment is the Netherlands model. Suggestions: Strict anti-cruelty laws with penalty, mandatory micro-chipping, a centrally coordinate programme
Adv Harsh Jaidka: My concern is different. There are so many stray dogs where I live. Complete disturbance. I have started having sleep disorder. Kids can't study. Authorities did not initiate any action. They said we can only do vaccination and sterilization. NHRC has also not taken any action. In case of nuisance, stray dogs can be removed (without dropping back at same place).
Hearing in StrayDogs case begins
A counsel seeks adjournment for Sr Adv Jethmalani
Court declines
Counsel: He has some data
J Nath: Give us a note. We will finish private party arguments today and then give one day to state.