Stray Dog Case : Live Updates From Supreme Court Hearing
LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK
20 Jan 2026 2:23 PM IST
The Supreme Court will continue hearing today at 2 PM the #StrayDogs case
Bench: Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and NV Anjaria
The matter was extensively heard earlier this month, with the Bench primarily examining the issue of stray dogs in institutional premises and noting the failure of municipal authorities
Intervenors (dog lovers and NGOs) pray for modification of the Court's earlier directions, so that stray dogs are released in the same area from where they are picked up
They have suggested some scientific models, adoption of which can tackle dog population and eliminate dog bite incidents in a few years
Victims' side has argued inter-alia for removal of stray dogs from residential complexes/housing societies
Live Updates
- 20 Jan 2026 2:32 PM IST
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.
- 20 Jan 2026 2:25 PM IST
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.
- 20 Jan 2026 2:24 PM IST
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.
- 20 Jan 2026 2:24 PM IST
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).