SC Transfers NCR Stray Dog Case to 3-Judge Bench

Quick Summary

• The Supreme Court has transferred the suo motu case regarding stray dog issues in Delhi-NCR to a three-judge bench.
• This bench consists of Justice Vikram Nath, Justice Sandeep Mehta, and Justice NV Anjaria.
• The hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
• A previous two-judge bench (Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice R Mahadevan) had directed the relocation of stray dogs to designated shelters on August 11.
• The case originated from suo motu cognizance taken on July 28 following a Times of India report titled “In a city hounded by strays, kids pay price.”
• Chief Justice BR Gavai acknowledged mentions of the issue twice today and agreed to look into it.

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Indian Opinion analysis

The Supreme Court’s movement of this sensitive matter to a larger three-member bench signals its importance in addressing public concerns regarding safety and humane management within urban systems like Delhi-NCR. Stray dog issues continue to be polarizing-posing challenges including public safety while raising ethical questions about animal rights.

by considering relocation directives ordered earlier by the two-member panel, this expanded panel may seek balanced solutions that accommodate both humane treatment standards for animals and protection for citizens, especially children impacted as highlighted in media reports.

Ongoing attention from the country’s top judicial authority reflects how urban planning needs integrated approaches combining law enforcement,municipal participation,shelter infrastructure progress,and societal engagement toward long-term resolutions.