SC directs all High Courts to monitor compliance on stray dog management
New Delhi, May 19: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed all High Courts across the country to register suo motu writ petitions…
New Delhi, May 19: The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed all High Courts across the country to register suo motu writ petitions to monitor compliance with its orders on stray dog management, including the removal of stray dogs from educational institutions, hospitals, railway stations, bus stands and other public places.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and N V Anjaria warned that continued non-compliance by officials could invite contempt proceedings.
“It is made clear that any continued failure or deliberate non-compliance with the directions issued by this court… shall render the erring officials… liable to appropriate proceedings in accordance with law,” the bench observed.
High Courts empowered to initiate contempt proceedings
The Supreme Court said the jurisdictional High Courts would be fully empowered to take action, including initiating contempt proceedings against officials responsible for inaction or wilful disregard of court directions.
The bench noted that monitoring implementation at the national level would be “administratively burdensome” and that High Courts were better suited to address local conditions and ensure timely intervention.
“All High Courts shall register a suo motu writ petition titled ‘In Re Compliance With The Directions Issued By Supreme Court…’ for monitoring compliance,” the court directed.
States told to strengthen sterilisation and vaccination infrastructure
The apex court also directed all States and Union Territories to take time-bound steps to improve infrastructure for sterilisation and anti-rabies vaccination programmes.
The court ordered establishment of at least one fully functional Animal Birth Control (ABC) centre in every district.
In addition, States and UTs were asked to ensure adequate availability of anti-rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin in government hospitals and health facilities.
NHAI directed to frame policy for stray animals on highways
The Supreme Court further directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to develop a comprehensive mechanism to deal with stray cattle and animals on national highways and expressways.
The court clarified that High Courts could expand the scope of directions depending on local conditions, provided the Supreme Court’s original directions were not diluted.
Compliance affidavits to be filed by August 2026
Chief Secretaries and senior officials of all States and Union Territories have been directed to file updated compliance affidavits before their respective High Courts by August 7, 2026.
The Union government and NHAI were also instructed to submit compliance reports.
The Supreme Court warned that continued apathy or failure in implementing its directions could expose municipal and state officials to contempt proceedings, disciplinary action and tortious liability.
At the same time, the court said officials carrying out the directions in good faith would be protected from unnecessary coercive action unless there was evidence of mala fide intent or gross abuse of authority.
Background of the case
The matter stems from the Supreme Court’s suo motu proceedings concerning increasing incidents of stray dog attacks.
On November 7, 2025, the court had directed authorities to remove stray dogs from schools, hospitals, railway stations, bus stands and similar public places. It had also ruled that dogs picked up from such locations should not be released back into the same areas after sterilisation and vaccination.
