THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Nov 3: The Supreme Court on Monday said it would announce its directions on November 7 regarding the growing menace of stray dogs within government and public sector institutions, where employees are reportedly feeding and sheltering the animals.
A special three-judge bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N V Anjaria made the observation while hearing a series of petitions concerning the management of stray dogs across the country.
Justice Nath noted that the court intends to specifically address the “institutional menace” caused when officials and employees encourage or support stray dogs within office premises. “We will definitely be issuing directions on that aspect,” he said.
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When one of the counsels requested an opportunity to be heard before such directions are passed, Justice Mehta firmly stated that no further arguments would be entertained on institutional matters.
The bench recorded that chief secretaries from most states and Union Territories were present in compliance with earlier orders. It accepted the exemption plea of the Kerala chief secretary, noting that a principal secretary had appeared on behalf of the state instead.
The court also directed that the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) be added as a party to the proceedings.
At the beginning of the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that most states and UTs have filed their compliance affidavits as required.
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The court listed the case for orders on November 7 and said the personal presence of chief secretaries would not be necessary in future, unless any state defaults on compliance with its directions.
Earlier, on October 27, the apex court had summoned the chief secretaries of all states and UTs—except West Bengal and Telangana—to explain their failure to file compliance reports despite the August 22 order seeking details on steps taken to implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules.
